March 13, 2025 | Issue #26 | Past issues

Rambler Innovations

Mac Royce programs a Bolt robot with his iPad in the Rambler Innovations class at Boyne City Middle School. Principal Mike Wilson says, "This class and its equipment are on the cutting edge, which is where we want to be in Boyne City Schools.” Read the full story below.

Inside this issue

• Commission fires City Manager Mike Cain
• Manager’s response: "We've accomplished a lot"
• Rambler Innovations class is on the cutting edge
• Boyne City defeats Petoskey in Food Truck War
• A Boyne Mountain coffee klatch called Duane
• Final “Mamma Mia!” shows are Friday, Saturday
• Business After Hours on St. Patrick’s Day
• Julie Joles named Camp Daggett exec director
• News briefs, Municipal News, Obituaries
• Patrick McCleary history: Woman manager saves the hotel
• Thanks to the donors who keep the news coming!
• Music and entertainment listings

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Commission fires City Manager Mike Cain; Special meeting will decide next steps

By Jim Baumann, jim@boynecitizen.com 

The Boyne City Commission terminated City Manager Michael Cain in a unanimous 5-0 vote on Tuesday night, and his last day on the job was Wednesday. 

The Commission did not set a termination date at Tuesday’s meeting, stating that they wanted to consult with City Attorney Matt Cross, who was not at the meeting. 

Mayor Tim Nemecek told the Boyne Citizen Wednesday that he emailed Cross after Tuesday’s meeting and that Cross then recommended that Cain be terminated at the end of the day on Wednesday. Cross recommended having a police officer available to walk Cain out with any personal belongings, but that wasn’t really done.

Cain asked if Police Chief Kevin Spate could instead be a witness as he removed a few personal items, and that is what happened. Nemecek asked a county sheriff’s deputy to be on hand, but stayed in his vehicle in the parking lot. “Mike wasn’t escorted out the door. The Board of Review meetings were being held and there were a lot of people around City Hall, and out of respect for Mike, I didn’t want to do a big show of walking him out.”

Nemecek said Cain will be allowed to come to City Hall with any member of the City Commission and remove his belongings over the weekend. “He has 22 years of personal belongings, so that will take a little while. I told him to just text me and let me know when he wants to come in, and I’ll meet him,” Nemecek said. 

Nemecek said that an all-day budget work session would proceed as scheduled on Thursday, starting at 8 a.m. He said he also planned to call a special meeting on Friday or Monday to begin planning to find an interim city manager, probably a retired manager made available through the Michigan Municipal League or a similar organization. 

Tuesday’s meeting

Cain’s annual evaluation was on the City Commission agenda on Tuesday, and the overall rating in seven categories was that the city manager’s performance was “marginal.”

During discussion of the issue, Commissioner Bob Farrell said, “The criteria and the end outcome were such that I really have concerns with us moving forward, and I would make a motion, a vote of no confidence for the city manager and we terminate the contract for cause, his employment contract.”

Commissioner Sandy Pritchard quickly seconded Farrell’s motion.

Mayor Tim Nemecek and Commissioner George Lasater both said they were “blindsided” by the motion, although they ended up voting in favor of it. At one point, Nemecek asked Farrell and Pritchard why they didn’t bring up the issue of termination during the last closed session when the evaluation was discussed with Cain.

Since Farrell’s motion did not designate when Cain was to be terminated, the Commission discussed that issue at length before deciding to leave the date to be determined after consulting with the City Attorney.

A major issue with the timing of the termination is that the Commission is due to start three day-long meetings at 8 a.m. Thursday, March 13; Monday, March 17; and, if necessary, Wednesday, March 19, to hammer out the city’s $24.4-million budget for the fiscal year beginning May 1.

Mayor Nemecek’s first comment after the motion was made likened the situation to “throwing out the baby with the bath water,” but he did mention “It is very clear the frustration that I’ve felt. I’ve been in the position of just being pissed off, feeling like I’ve been lied to. Information has been withheld from me.”

However, he said, “I’m just very concerned about the succession planning and the overall success of the city. I’m not going to shoot from the hip, because of how big of a decision this is.”

Farrell replied that “We have been working uphill” in conflict with Cain, “and Mike is not really working with us. I’d like that to stop, and I’d like us to bring somebody in that we can work with, who is accountable and transparent.”

Pritchard said, “I would be willing to take the bumps that would come with a transition. I believe there are ways that transition could be bridged. The bottom line is, if you were in a business and paying somebody at that rate, you wouldn’t have made it 22 years” if they were not accomplishing their goals and performing at a marginal level.

“I don’t think the best interests of Boyne City will be served long term without taking the pain and making a change,” Pritchard said. “I’m not taking this lightly, and it’s not that Mike hasn’t done good things. You can see the areas that he prefers to work in - it shows.”

Nemecek said that in the past, he had considered the possibility of terminating Cain and looked into the services of the Michigan Municipal League (MML), which can help cities find retired city managers who are willing to serve as interim managers when a firing or resignation happens. Ironically, Cain is a past president of the MML.

“These are all things I wish we would have been proactive about, because I’m just being blindsided right now… not knowing the timeline. What does our meeting look like on Thursday if he is gone at 8 a.m. tomorrow? These are concerns before I just shoot from the hip,” Nemecek said.

Commissioner Marty Moody said, “There’s never a good time” to terminate the top executive, based on his past experience as a school board member. His major complaint with Cain is that “the goals are just not being met,” mentioning the lack of an updated employee handbook, not evaluating department heads, and not creating a capital improvements plan.

Commissioner George Lasater said, “I don’t like getting blindsided with it out of the blue. That doesn’t make me real happy. But I can’t say I’m surprised that we’re finally here.”

Pritchard responded by saying, “The term blindsided kind of upsets me in that we have been very very transparent and careful in respecting the Open Meetings Act. This is a discussion that needs to take place in a public forum for everyone to hear. I’m just saying it’s not a blindside if you consider…”

Nemecek interrupted, saying, “It is a blindside. If I’m telling you that I feel blindsided. You don’t control how I feel. There are multiple ways I can argue with you right now. In the last closed session meeting that we had, we could have had this conversation, so there would be unified understanding and …and succession planning that we could have had prior to having this conversation right now in public.”

He said his main concern was the fact that the city budget meetings were scheduled to start in two days. “If this motion were on the floor in April, it would be a different reaction from me. I was looking forward to being very aggressive in the next (budget) work sessions. I don’t know if we can plug and play someone starting tomorrow.”

Nemecek also said he “would have full faith and confidence if Scott McPherson were here,” and could have been installed as interim city manager. But McPherson retired in December after 21 years serving as planning and zoning director.

In a bizarre moment after the motion to terminate him, Cain raised his hand and said, “Mayor, may I ask for clarification? I’m wondering if I’m employed at this moment.”

Mayor Nemecek told him, “It’s my understanding that you are.”  

Cain said, “Then I will continue to do my job to the best of my ability.”

The meeting proceeded with the commission acting on routine agenda items including committee member applications, a sick time policy update, and asphalt crack sealing services. The last action item on the agenda was Cain presenting the 2025-26 budget proposal, which would lower the overall property tax millage from 16.185 to 15.90. See the full budget proposal.

> Mayor Nemecek posted a letter on Facebook Wednesday morning, saying, “I want to assure the community that the City Commission is committed to a smooth and orderly transition.” Read the full letter.

> Commissioner Pritchard also posted a statement on Facebook, saying “The Commissioners deeply recognize the challenges of the task ahead and are hopeful that Mr. Cain will collaborate to assist in the transition. Regardless, we have a strong team on the Commission, with the skills to collectively navigate the path forward.” Read the full statement.

> You can watch a video of the City Commission meeting. The discussion of the city manager’s evaluation begins at 46:40. Farrell makes his motion at 1:08:40, Cain responds at 1:30:40.

Manager’s response: "We've accomplished a lot"

After the City Commission passed a motion calling for City Manager Mike Cain’s termination on Tuesday, Mayor Tim Nemecek gave him the opportunity to respond. Here are his comments, lightly edited for space and clarity:

“I too am blindsided. I went through the evaluation process. There were some serious issues to be dealt with, but nothing of this level came up with any kind of immediacy. 

“I look at what we’ve accomplished as a community in the 22 years that I’ve been with the City of Boyne City. If you go to most anybody in the State of Michigan or in the nation, they look at Boyne City with respect, pride and admiration. I think that is something we have accomplished as a team. 

“We’ve accomplished a lot. When I first came to Boyne City, the City Commission addressed me and said we don’t want to be Petoskey, we don’t want to be Charlevoix, we don’t want to be Harbor Springs. We want to be the best Boyne City that we can be, and I think that’s what we’ve become.

“I think we’ve benefitted everybody in this community. The wealth, the employment opportunities, the quality of services that we provide are second to none. I’m very proud of the little city that could, and under my leadership for the last 22 years, we’ve been able to do that.

“If you feel it’s time for somebody different, that’s your choice. 

“We’re in excellent financial shape, as this budget that we will be looking at will present to you. We have $6.5 million in the bank to go forward with the goals that the commission has established, including to pave the gravel roads in town. We’ve always been good stewards of the public’s money.

“I’m sorry that it’s come to this. I’m sorry that we couldn’t have this conversation in a more private setting and maybe come to a better or different conclusion. I don’t think airing quote-unquote dirty laundry benefits the community in any respect whatsoever.”

Teacher Molly Hamilla demonstrates how to cut cardboard on a Chomp Saw.

Arya Helsley practices drawing with a 3Doodle Printer.

Rambler Innovations class is on the cutting edge, “which is where we want to be in Boyne City Schools”

By Jamie Baumann, jamie@boynecitizen.com 

Reading, writing and arithmetic aren’t enough any more. Critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, and character are the 5 C's of 21st Century learning. In its third year, Molly Hamilla's Rambler Innovations elective class at Boyne City Middle School is built around helping students develop and improve these 5 C's as they rotate in small groups through eight learning stations, each featuring a different technology. 

Principal Mike Wilson said that the goal of the program is to "inspire students to become independent thinkers, creatives, and innovators."

Hamilla expects students to enter the classroom, go to their stations and get to work. She fosters independence by sticking to her rule of "ask three before me," so that students learn to be independent learners adept at figuring things out on their own. 

If they get stuck, first, they should ask students in their own group for assistance. Second, they may ask a student from a group that has already rotated through their station. Third, they do their own research on the classroom website materials for their station. Only after students have exhausted all of these resources, should they ask for help from Hamilla. In the 45 minutes this reporter was in her class, no one had a question, and everyone was immersed in the activities at their stations.

Station 1, Wonder Robots - Students learn to program three different types of robots. They may "play" with the robots, but the robots won't do anything until they are programmed. At the end of each class, when the ipads are turned off, the programming is lost and must be redone or varied the following day. See videos, pictures and more about Station 1.  

Station 2, 3Doodler and 3D printing - Students learn to work with 3D pens and design items for the 3D printer They may draw freeform with the plastic filament or trace one of the many stencils Hamilla provides. They end up with a plastic design of what they draw. Students use the room's 3D printers to create assistive devices that have been donated to Grandvue Medical Care Facility. They are required to make one assistive device - toothpaste squeezers, bottle openers, can openers, cup holders - items that can help people with poor fine motor skills. Then, they may design something they want. The 3D printer also supports projects around the school. On Tuesday, the printer was busy creating racks to display seed packets for an upcoming greenhouse seed sale. See videos, pictures and more about Station 2. 

Station 3, Snap Circuits and Bloxels - Snap Circuits are a kid-friendly way to learn about electricity by creating electric circuits with the parts that are all enclosed in plastic for safety and snap together. Bloxels allows students to design and create their own video games. See videos, pictures, and more about Station 3. 

Station 4, Virtual Reality - Students learn how to use virtual reality to kayak down a river in Alaska, for example, or to do physical fitness activities like dance. See videos, pictures, and more about Station 4. 

Station 5, CriCut - Students make their own designs out of very thin vinyl and then the designs are ironed on a t-shirt or hat or affixed to a mug. See videos, pictures, and more about Station 5. 

Station 6, The Construction Corner - Where students can build with Legos, Lego walls, Magna Tiles, Engino, Gravitrax, and Keva planks. On Tuesday, Chase Kline-Lifer and Bill Fulmer were using Keva planks to build towers with connecting tunnels. See videos, pictures, and more about Station 6. 

Station 7, The Sound Trap - Students learn sound engineering and can produce their own podcasts. More information about Station 7. 

Station 8, Makerspace - Students make things they dream up using materials in the classroom. For example, there are chomp saws in the classroom and lots of cardboard and plastic for students to be able to cut and build something of their choice. There are beads to make bracelets, and a plethora of other materials that students can just be creative with. They think of an idea and then figure out how to make it. For example, one student built a shark out of cardboard. On Tuesday of this week, Cameron and Travis Scott Heney were doing beadwork. Learn more about the concept of Makerspace. 

Hamilla's class just won the $2,500 Excellence in Education Awards from the Michigan Association of School Boards and the SETSEG Foundation. Only 10 programs in Michigan earned the award. Hamilla has earmarked money from the grant to provide more microphones and headsets, as well as advanced coding kits, and design tools. She has gotten many good ideas from attending the annual Macul Conference that focuses on educational technology ideas and resources. She will be a presenter for this year's conference. 

The Innovations class is expensive with all the electronic equipment and consumable plastic and vinyl supplies. Hamilla has earned $15,000 in grants so far to try to keep up with equipment and materials demands. With 100 students per year cycling through the class, the equipment does need to be refurbished and replaced.

Principal Mike Wilson wrote the successful Excellence in Education grant to support Hamilla's work. "This class and its equipment are on the cutting edge, which is where we want to be in Boyne City Schools,” Wilson said. “We want to do it right and stay at the forefront of innovation. We are always hustling for resources to keep equipment up-to-date. I totally support what Molly is doing with students. She is educating them to be successful in the future." 

Rambler Innovations teacher Molly Hamilla.

Gunnar Hicks is sporting a hat he designed on CriCut.

The Striped Panini team won the event.

Boyne City defeats Petoskey in Food Truck War

It was Boyne City Culinary vs. Petoskey Culinary in the 2025 Food Truck War last Friday in Boyne City, and the Rambler Culinary team came out on top. Boyne City High School and Petoskey High School Culinary Arts students came together in one kitchen and prepared their food truck-style cuisine for guests who tasted and voted to judge the winner of this culinary cook-off. This year’s event was by invitation only, but organizers are hoping to find a larger venue and make it open to the public next year. 

In total Chef Cole Thornton has about 70 students in all of his culinary classes, but the Hospitality class that participates in the Food Truck event has 12 students. Students can take Culinary Arts and if they enjoy that class, they sign up for Hospitality, which is more advanced and does a lot of public events. 

Boyne City had three teams in Friday’s competition.

The Striped Panini won the event, making a pesto chicken panini sandwich with tomato soup and a chocolate mousse cup for dessert. 

Sumo Ramen prepared an authentic Japanese Ramen and Kakigori; shaved iced dessert with a creamy fruit syrup drizzled on top. 

The Wurst prepared German street food including currywurst; bratwurst with a curry sauce and Belgian French fries and Belgian waffles with chocolate sauce. The bratwurst recipe was contributed by German exchange student Simon Nusser’s grandmother.

“The students did research to learn what foods are popular on food trucks, then they made a menu based on the concept that they chose,” Chef Cole said. “They found recipes for the food items they wanted to serve and tested and tweaked them in our kitchen to get them just right before the event.”

“Next year we hope to make the event bigger and have it in a larger venue where we can invite more people,” Chef Cole said. “We've talked with Gypsy Distillery about possibly having it there.”

Peter Mastin and German exchange student Simon Nusser served up “The Wurst.”

The entire Boyne City Hospitality team with their first place plaque.

A Boyne Mountain coffee klatch called Duane - "the most perfect guest relations person ever"

By Bob Wollenberg, wollenb31@hotmail.com 

On Tuesdays at Boyne Mountain Resort, there is a special happening in the Clock Tower fireplace main room across from Stein Eriksen's restaurant. It’s special because in 2006 Duane Brandt thought the skiers who took a short rest from their downhill endeavors might want to warm up with coffee and homemade cookies. What happened? Word got out - like it does - and a tradition was born. 

Ask any local Boyne skier who Duane Brandt is, they might not know his last name, but they’ll say, “Oh, you mean that Duane? Oh sure!” They’ll also tell you a “Duane story” to go with it. Yes, there are Duane stories because Duane is a people person. You can see it when people gather around. They light up, and then he lights up. 

Now 63, Duane is in his 20th year running a Boyne Mountain chairlift. When he first started as a lift operator, Duane saw that it was imperative that skiers got in the lift safely and with confidence. A positive word and a strong arm later, they were on their way up the mountain. He saw children might need a hand navigating the speeding bench as it came swiftly swinging around the corner pickup area. He also knew children needed to feel good about what they were going to do. Again, for Duane, confidence and a smile was the key. 

One day, spotting a large box of lollipops in a store, Duane wondered if putting a lollipop in each child’s hood as they swung by might bring a smile and calm their jitters. They loved it. Was he told to do this? No. Soon, adults asked if they could have a lollipop. Of course they could! 

Because of Duane’s consistent, caring work, he became a fixture at Boyne Mountain Resort. Any way to make someone’s skiing experience fun and enjoyable was his goal and second nature to him. As he worked through the years, he has continued to be a favorite amongst everyone around him. 

How did his ”cookies and coffee” group get started? He said, “Well, when I first moved up to the Boyne area from downstate, I was living in a pretty small place with no stove. Then, when I got a larger place with a stove, I started cooking all sorts of things. I love to cook. It’s kind of a hobby. So, from there …here we are!” 

As I watched, these veteran skiers were warming themselves by the fire at Duane’s gathering, laughing, slapping Duane on the back, telling story after story whilst they absconded with another double-chocolate-pecan-coconut cookie. A saying ran through my mind, “A little effort with a dash of kindness can mysteriously go a long, long way.” And, there it was. 

Well-known Boyne skier Jim Douglas, along with his friend Mike Shell, put it simply: “Duane’s the most perfect guest relations person ever! Companies train their employees vigorously for weeks to have someone like Duane. With him, it just comes naturally.” 

Duane creates a “happening.” Every person in the warm, cozy room has a big smile. They love being there. Guess who was in the middle of all of it, laughing – Duane.

Gabe Houser as Sam with girls from the "Mamma Mia! cast in the background.

Last two “Mamma Mia!” shows are Friday, Saturday

The Boyne City High School Drama Department will present the final two performances of their spring musical, “Mamma Mia!” 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 will be sold at the door beginning at 6 p.m.

The show will feature student actors Jamie Ploe as Donna, Chelsey Hertel as Sophie, Katie Hunt as Tanya, Melody March as Rosie, Gabe Houser as Sam, Adam Frye as Bill, and Cameron Little as Harry.

Chamber plans Expo, State of Community, Biz After Hours

The Boyne Area Chamber has scheduled two of its major annual events for this spring, both at Boyne Mountain Resort. The Business Expo will be held from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 15 (details and registration), and the State of the Community luncheon will be held Friday, May 2 (details coming soon).

The Boyne Citizen will cover both events, in fact we have signed up for a booth and a sponsorship for the Business Expo. "Mark your calendar for April 15, and stop by and meet the staff and board members of the Boyne Citizen - plus lots of other local businesses, restaurants, and organizations," Editor Jim Baumann said.

The 13th Annual Business Expo and Taste of Boyne is one of the largest business networking events in Northern Michigan and will include about 60 exhibitor booths from area businesses and organizations. This exciting event includes great food, networking, music, business exhibits and more at the Boyne Mountain Civic Center.

The public and Chamber members are welcome to attend. Admission is $10 and includes all Taste of Boyne food booths. Boyne Mountain will be providing a shuttle bus to and from all parking lots.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS - The chamber has also announced its next Business After Hours networking event will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, at O’Brien and Associates Real Estate, 128 Water Street. Raise a glass with friends and neighbors and help event host Pat O’Brien celebrate his birthday. “It's about time we get together in our finest green apparel and count our lucky stars,” O’Brien said.

Julie Joles named exec director of Camp Daggett

Camp Daggett has announced that Julie Joles has been named executive director. Joles’ connection to Camp Daggett began as a camper parent and grew through her roles as a dedicated volunteer, marketing committee member, and development director before stepping into this leadership position.

A Camp Daggett press release said, “Julie is a proven leader in program development, fundraising, and nonprofit management. Since joining Camp Daggett in 2022, she has played a crucial role in expanding donor engagement, increasing financial support, and ensuring smooth transitions across various departments. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping a donor base deeply invested in Camp Daggett’s mission, vision, and values.”

Jokes’ professional background includes experience in communications, branding, and digital strategy, with leadership roles at the Petoskey News-Review, Northern Michigan Review, and Mitchell Graphics. 

Leadership Charlevoix County hosts 3 events to help fund mental health awareness effort

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

At the heart of this campaign are resource stickers that will be placed throughout Charlevoix County, each carrying a simple, true, powerful message reminding everyone that there is Hope. Every decal features a QR code linking directly to vital mental health resources through Kiersten’s Ride, ensuring that help is always within reach. The Leadership class goal is to raise $13,000 by May. They are also raising funds for a traveling enclosed trailer for Kiersten’s Ride.

Upcoming fundraiser events:

• Moon Walk for Hope on the Move, Boyne Mountain Cross Country Center. Friday, March 14, from 7-9pm. Entry by donation, 2k snowshoe hike, food and drinks provided, bonfires, and more.
• Brewing Hope at Bier’s Inwood Brewery, 17959 Ferry Rd, Charlevoix. March 27, from 5-9pm. $1 per pint of beer sold will be donated to Kiersten’s Ride.
• Tap Into Hope at Stiggs Brewery, 112 S Park St. Boyne City. April 2, from 5-9pm. $5/per ticket - enter to win a Brew School Experience ($350 value).

> How to Donate (please mention ‘LCC’ on all donations). Mail a check to Kiersten’s Ride, 04316 Cosier Rd, East Jordan, MI, 49727. To donate via Venmo, use the QR code on this flyer.

High school class hosts shoe drive fundraiser

The Boyne City High School Class of 2028 is inviting the community to clean out their closets for a shoe drive that will help them raise funds. All donated shoes will be redistributed to micro-enterprise partners through Funds2Orgs, a for-profit social enterprise, and used in developing nations for impoverished people to start their own businesses.

Donations of gently worn, used, and new shoes will be accepted. The amount of money raised is determined by the total weight of the shoes collected. More shoes will yield more money for the students, who are the current freshman class.

There is a large donation bin in the main commons area of the high school, and the shoe drive will continue through April 18.

Class co-advisor Brooke Sandtveit noted that in the United States alone, over 300 million pairs of shoes are thrown away per year. “The materials used to manufacture a pair of shoes are created from chemical compounds that will create health hazards if left to disintegrate openly or in landfills,” she said. “By donating your gently worn, used, and new shoes to micro-enterprises via the Class of 2028, your shoes are given a second chance to make a difference.”

For further information or questions, see this flyer or email bsandtveit@boyne.k12.mi.us.

Boyne Thunder sells out in minutes

Reprinted from Speed on the Water magazine: The owner of a color-matched pair of catamarans from Outerlimits Offshore Powerboats, Jeremy Tschida was in a particularly fine mood last Saturday afternoon. Not only was he enjoying lunch with his wife, Kristie, and their son, Tyler, at Three Fishermen Restaurant in North Fort Myers, Fla., during the latest Fort Myers Offshore event, he had officially registered for the 2025 Boyne Thunder Poker Run that morning.

“We made it,” he said, his grin even broader than usual. “Burton (Kirsten) made it in, too.”

With just 60 of 120 slots available - the first 60 were taken during sponsor registration - as usual for general registration, the July 11-12 event based out of Boyne City, Mich., sold out in two minutes and change.

“We sold all but about five spaces in two minutes,” explained Ingrid Day, Boyne Thunder’s events coordinator. “After the system cleared itself out, we sold the rest. So a couple of folks who waited got real lucky.”

Day paused for a moment. “We are truly humbled by the enthusiasm for our event,” she continued. “I wish we had space for everyone.”

Project Connect set for Wednesday 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 for freelance writers and summer intern

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 application form

We have also contacted several universities to help us find a summer journalism intern, which is a half-time paid position. Details.

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Boyne Area News Briefs

SCHOOL BOND TALK - Boyne City School Superintendent Patrick Little will make a presentation on the upcoming school bond election at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 16, at the high school library. The presentation will be 20 minutes plus questions. More information on the May 6 bond election is available on the school website. 

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 donation is $3, for ages 59 and under, $8, and for children 12 and under, $6. Here is the March lunch menu, and the March activity calendar.

YOUNG STATE PARK - Due to a planned park enhancement project to fix drainage issues and replace both toilet/shower buildings, the Spruce campground is closed through June 15. A proposed $2.82 million in federal relief funding from the Building Michigan Together Plan made these renovations and others possible.

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

City of Boyne City Municipal News

City Commission petition deadline is April 22

If you’ve ever thought you’d like to run for the Boyne City Commission, now’s your chance to throw your hat in the ring for a four-year term. City Clerk-Treasurer Jessica Puroll has issued a notice with all the details about how to become a candidate for the non-partisan election. The main things a prospective candidate has to do are file an Affidavit of Identity and get at least 20 signatures of city residents who are registered voters on a nominating petition and turn it in to City Hall by 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 22. Learn more about the candidate nomination process here. If you have further questions, you may contact Puroll at 231-582-0334 or jpuroll@boynecity.gov.

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

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

DISCOLORED WATER - The City has received reports that residents in the area surrounding Pleasant Avenue are experiencing discolored drinking water. Water Department crews are flushing hydrants in the area to resolve this.The water remains safe to drink regardless of the discoloration; however, we encourage anyone who is experiencing this to run your faucet until it clears up.

COMPENSATION COMMISSION - The City of Boyne City is now accepting applications for two open positions on the Compensation Commission. The commission is made up of five members, each serving a five-year term. Members are tasked with making recommendations regarding the salaries of elected officials, including the Mayor and City Commissioners. The commission normally meets only once or twice a year. If you are interested in getting involved contact City Clerk Treasurer Jessica Puroll at 231-582-0334 or jpuroll@boynecity.gov or submit an application by March 31. Application forms are available online or at City Hall. 

FREE FLU SHOTS - Boyne City’s EMS Department is offering free flu shots to those in our regional service area. No insurance or other payment needed. Limited supply. First come, first served. Can’t get to us, we may be able to get to you! Contact EMS Director Brenda Willson via phone or text at 231.350.2589 for an appointment or more information. 

DRAFT MASTER PLAN - Available for a 63-day comment period through Friday, April 11. The opportunity to view the plan and comment on it are available on the home page of the City's website and through this link.

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

> City Commission's next regular meeting is at 12 p.m. Tuesday, March 25.

> City Commission budget work sessions at 8 a.m. March 13, 17 and 19. Agenda page.

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

• Compensation Commission 2 seats. Applications due 3/31.
• Airport Board – 3 seats open
• Zoning Board of Appeals – 3 seats open

Obituaries

Thomas K. Bauman

June 19, 1958 — March 3, 2025 (age 66)

Barbara Lynn (Schlink) Mittig

March 10, 1965 ~ February 28, 2025 (age 59)

Joyce Elaine (Boshart) Kelsey

November 11, 1928 ~ February 23, 2025 (age 96)

A cabinet card portrait of Miss Marie J. Mortensen. Courtesy of the Patrick McCleary Collection.

THROUGH THE HISTORIAN'S LENS

Celebrating Women’s History Month: Marie J. Mortenson rescues the Wolverine Hotel

By Patrick McCleary, Throughthehistorianslens@gmail.com

The Charlevoix County History Preservation Society

As we continue our look at early local women who helped to change the face of early Boyne City, I would like to share a portion of my research material pertaining to the Wolverine-Dilworth Hotel. Thanks to the dedication of the current owner, Bob Grove, this Boyne City landmark will be saved for many generations to come. I am grateful that he has entrusted me to research and put down on paper a complete history of the hotel, its stockholders, previous owners and the many remarkable happenings that have taken place on the property throughout its 114-year history. The following is an excerpt from this future publication.

* * *

The Wolverine Hotel opened its doors in 1912. Almost from the onset, it was beset with financial difficulties of one kind or another. This culminated in 1915, after a string of male managers had come and gone, leaving the books more in the red than in the black. In 1916, the situation had become desperate. Who would manage the hotel for low wages? Those who would agree to a lesser salary did not have the experience of being successful. 

Along comes Miss Marie Mortensen of Hermansville, near Manistique in the Upper Peninsula. Born in Denmark, she had come to the United States in 1907, following an older brother who had immigrated in 1895 and settled at Manton, Michigan. Her first U.S. residence was in Manton, but finding work in Hermansville, she had moved north not long after her arrival in the states. For many years she had operated a similar hotel establishment there, been overworked and underpaid, and received few accolades for her trouble.

After meeting her, it was soon agreed upon by the leading stockholders of the Wolverine, that she was to assume the role as “Manageress” and receive the sum of $65 per month- to oversee every aspect of the hotel’s operation. So badly needed was Miss Mortensen that W.H. White himself agreed to advance her four months’ pay in order to secure her employment.

Her plan was nothing short of brilliant. She handled all of the cooking herself. Knowing the quality of the food she put out, she promised her wait staff a high tip return - but required that they secure their own uniforms and shoes. A fine hotel and restaurant establishment needed piano music, so young ladies wanting to move into Boyne were promised free lodging and meals, in exchange for their piano skills each afternoon and evening. 

Those unable to stand and do a day’s work were employed at minor wages to polish silver, fold towels and blankets and see that stemware glistened in the evening lighting. She soon established herself as having a firm hand, an exceptional mind for business, a vast skill set, and could kindly smile across a room at her guests, while pointing to the front door and saying, “I will not ask again,” in reprimand for improper behavior! In no time at all, Miss Mortensen accomplished what no man had been able to do prior to her - the books went from red to black. 

One incident clearly illustrates her commitment to her position. In 1916, Marie nearly lost her left hand when it was caught in an electric mangle, a mechanical device that irons and folds laundry. That Saturday afternoon, while attempting to smooth some linen which had become tangled, her fingers were caught beneath the heated rollers. Before help could arrive, her hand was drawn completely into the machine. Her screams brought the engineer, but the roller had to be removed before her hand could be freed. Due to the severity of the burn and the crushing, it was felt that the hand needed to be x-rayed, which would mean a trip to Petoskey. With a full house of guests and a staff to oversee, Miss. Mortensen promptly informed the doctor that it would have to wait until Monday, saying, “I’ve lived through worse, and my dinner isn’t cooking itself!” 

Miss Marie Mortensen successfully managed the Wolverine Hotel between the years 1915 and 1930, the longest span under one manager in the history of the building. Never marrying, she remained “Miss Mortensen” her entire life. In 1930, she left her position and established her own boarding house just 150 feet from the hotel’s front entrance. Advertised as The Mortensen House, this new location at 9 North East Street became an instant success- mainly due to its charming hostess and the exceptional food that she served. From all indications, she was very successful with The Mortensen House for several years. However, sometime around 1938, she sold the home to then Chief of Police Pat Roderick and moved to San Francisco, California. It was there that she died in 1940.

> 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.

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

Bingo every Tuesday, open to the public, refreshments provided. Doors open at 3 p.m., play starts at 5, ending at 8 p.m.

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

> Live music 6-9 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays with music and trivia on Thursdays.

Mondays - Sean Bielby

Tuesdays - Lara Fullford

Wednesdays - Pete Kehoe

Thursdays - Trivia & music by Holly Keller

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

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

> LIVE MUSIC

Saturday, March 15 - Sandy & The Bandits, 8-11 p.m.

Saturday, March 22 - R.P.M., 8-11ish p.m.

Saturday, March 29 - Sandy & The Bandits, 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.

> Local Love Nights - Boyne Mountain is showing some local love to residents of Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, and Otsego counties with discounted fun every Thursday through March 13. Details.

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

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

Saturday, March 15 - Chris Calleja

Saturday, March 22 - Michelle Chenard

Saturday, March 29 - Chris Calleja

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

> LIVE MUSIC

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

Friday, March 14 - Pete Kehoe, 7-10 p.m.

Saturday, March 15 - Sean Bielby, 7-10 p.m.

Friday, March 21 - Pete Kehoe, 7-10 p.m.

Saturday, March 22 - Nelson Olstrom, 7-10 p.m.

Friday, March 28 - Brett Mitchell, 7-10 p.m.

Saturday, March 29 - Peter Jensen, 7-10 p.m.

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

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

Saturday, March 15 - Hatchwing Rider at 7:30 p.m. Details and 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, March 14 - Step Afrika! The world’s leading authority on the artform of stepping, 7 p.m. Tickets.

> Thursday, March 27 - Trailblazing Women of Country, A Tribute to Patsy, Loretta, and Dolly, 7 p.m. Tickets.

> Sunday, April 13 - Keith Gave & Detroit's Hockey Evolution, an exclusive screening of "The Russian Five," followed by a conversation with Keith Gave, the journalist who helped bring the legendary Russian Five to Detroit. 1 p.m. Tickets.

SUMMER/FALL CONCERT SERIES:

May 25 - The Doo Wop Project

June 13 - Deana Carter

June 21 - Get Loud Entertainment Presents: Infinity

June 27 - The Broadway Tenors

June 29 - Comedian Dustin Nickerson

July 5 - Get Loud Entertainment Presents: Lonestar

July 12 - 2025 Gala, Disco Paradise featuring KC and The Sunshine Band

July 20 - An Evening with Lyle Lovett and his Large Band

July 30 + 31 - Bay View Music Festival Presents: Bizet’s Carmen

Aug 3 - Straight No Chaser Summer: The 90s Part 2

Aug 9 - The Landsharks Band

Aug 15 - Ashes & Arrows

Aug 29-31 - Jersey Boys

Sep 14 - Grand Rapids Ballet Ballet Masterworks 

Oct 4 - Canadian Brass 

Oct 5 - Manhattan Short Film Festival 

Oct 16 + 17 - Cirque Mechanics Tilt! 

Nov 1 - Cantus

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

> TRIVIA NIGHT - Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

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

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

> LIVE MUSIC 8 to 11 p.m.

Saturday, March 15 - Eric Jaqua

Friday, March 21 - Pete Fetters

Friday, March 28 - Buddha Sweet

PENINSULA PARK EVENT CENTER, 5 W. Main Street, Boyne City, (231) 881-5192, peninsulaparkevents@gmail.com. The Event Center space is available to rent for public and private events including parties, fundraisers, entertainment, classes and meetings.

> WINTER MOVIES - Free admission; refreshments available for purchase. No outside food or beverages. Check Facebook for schedule.

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

LIVE MUSIC, 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Saturdays

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

LIVE MUSIC 6-9 p.m. on Tuesdays.

Tuesday, March 18 - Sean Bielby

Tuesday, March 25 - Keith Scott

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.

> April 12 and the second Saturday of the month - Karaoke with DJ T-Bone Thompson from 8-11 p.m.

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

> Roller skating party 2-6 p.m. Saturday, March 15 and April 19. $8 admission, $2 rentals.

> Jelly Roll performs in the log cabin event center at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 15.

The Boyne Citizen

Email: jim@boynecitizen.com

Phone: 231-459-4166

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