February 13, 2025 | Issue #22 | Past issues

Diabetes awareness

Fifth grader Rosie Dart was diagnosed with type I diabetes a year ago, and here she is shown in her “Boyne Wears Blue for Type I Diabetes” sweatshirt. It’s part of an effort to raise awareness about young people with the disease. Read our story below about Rose and her mother Ellen Dart presenting a report on their efforts at Monday’s school board meeting.

Inside this issue

• Board discusses contigency plan if federal funds are reduced
• Police solve big and small problems
• Mother and daughter raise diabetes awareness
• City finally solves river mouth pump problems
• Tickets on sale for BCHS production of Mamma Mia
• Band members shine at District Festival
• Conservancy grooms trails for winter fun 
• Winter festivals set for Feb. 22 in Boyne, Walloon
• News briefs, Municipal News, Obituaries
• Patrick McCleary history: Our early Black pioneers
• Thanks to the donors who keep the news coming!
• Music and entertainment listings

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“What if?” School board discusses contingency plan after executive order issued, then cancelled

By Jamie Baumann, jamie@boynecitizen.com

The Boyne City School Board spent much of Monday’s meeting discussing how the cancellation of federal grant programs might affect local schools. 

The discussion was necessitated by a roller coaster week with the Federal Office of Management and Budget's memo issued Jan. 28, then rescinded a couple of days later, ordering an immediate freeze of federal funds for grants that would affect school lunch and breakfast programs as well as paraprofessional and tutoring staff funding.

Board President Zareena Koch opened the discussion, saying, "I want to explain quickly why I wanted this brought forward, because I don't want there to be any misunderstanding about why we are doing this…. Stuff is coming out of Washington super fast. Departments are being scrutinized. Yes it's going to happen. No, it's not going to happen. I want us to be prepared with a conversation at a board level - what if?”

“What are we prepared to do? How will we protect the citizens, the children and staff? At present, nothing is happening. Nothing is being cut. Nothing is going away. But we need to know what we are prepared to do if this happens again. Because I do believe that there will be an effect on this administration, on us, on our teachers, on our kids," Koch said. 

The board then discussed three federally-funded programs that might have been affected by the funding freeze had it stayed in effect. 

First, the Title I Academic Support program pays for six paraprofessionals who work in the elementary and middle schools, providing math and reading academic support, as well as helping to keep the buildings functioning day-to-day by providing playground supervision and hall monitoring. The total cost for Title I Academic Support is $175,579, mainly paid in salaries. 

Second, the Title VI Academic Support program supports 67 students with after school tutoring at a cost of $14,338.

Third, the free breakfast and lunch program serves 410 breakfasts and 906 lunches daily at a cost of $4,700 per day. If the board decided to continue the program out of the general fund until the next board meeting, it could cost up to $94,000 for 20 days. A loss of federal funding would necessitate decisions about the continuation of the program and potentially charging families.

Superintendent Patrick Little said, "I would just like to hear some thoughts if tomorrow morning that money wasn't there. What would you do as a board? For two days it was going to happen. Then it didn't. I need a sense from the board, if we were to get direction on any one of these programs, how should we handle it? Should we continue the programs until we meet? What do you want us to do?" Little asked. 

Referring to Title I paraprofessionals, if federal funding were discontinued, Little said, "We would have a contractual obligation for layoff and recall. We would have about a 45-day window and then the board would have to take action to lay those employees off. In that way the contract guides us, and we wouldn't have a lot of choice but to take it from the fund balance." 

The board policy would have the district treat Title VI employees the same as the contracted paraprofessionals. 

It was noted that if people become uncertain about their jobs, they may look for other work in order to protect themselves. But the district certainly doesn't want their good employees to look for work unnecessarily. The importance of keeping good communication with the employees who might be affected was emphasized. 

What to do about the free and reduced price lunch program if funding were cut off suddenly was the main focus of the discussion, because of the expense of running it for up to 20 days to get to the next board meeting. 

One option discussed was continuing the program until the board could call an emergency meeting when they knew the details. Then they could form a plan based on concrete information.

Board Vice-President Joel Shraw said, "I would be surprised if these cuts would be given immediately. That seems abnormal."

Little replied, "One of the tricky things that is being worked out in Washington, D.C., is what is the power of the executive order? Traditionally, an executive order is to be followed the minute it is issued. So that OMB order had immediate effect to all the agencies it provides money to. It has immediate effect, unless it says otherwise."

"I thought I read that breakfast and lunch would be covered," Board Member Jill Towne-Patton said.

"I think there is concern in Lansing, because of what was in this memo, that they need to have some kind of contingency plan, so Michigan kids aren't put into a difficult situation," Little said. 

"But, it wouldn't be typical in Lansing for the governor to use an executive order to pay for such a big bill. That would go through the legislative process, which is how this stuff came to be - through the legislative process, not an executive order. So that's where we get into this Civics 101 kind of scenario - how laws are made and how they are enforced. That is what you are seeing, the push and pull between Congress and the executive branch. And about who gets to call the shots - the elected officials in the legislature or the one elective official with lots of employees who are going to issue some memos," Little said. 

Part of the issue is that the OMB memo froze money that was already committed in the budget that Congress passed. But the schooln district is only about 50% of the way through spending the money (from Sept. 1 until present). The OMB memo was trying to take back money already committed by Congress. Then, a day or two later, the money was unfrozen.

"So that is one scenario that is difficult and one reason it created so much heartburn," Little said. "It is a different scenario, when the next budget is passed by Congress, what that budget will look like. But if that goes through the legislative process, it will be transparent, and districts will know what is on the chopping block and what is being reformulated, and if there are going to be new rules. That legislative process lets things get worked out so that districts aren't shocked," Little said. 

He pointed out that the OMB memo revealed what some of the priorities might be for future reductions. 

Koch said that in her work with nonprofits, organizations are predicting a 25% to 40% decrease in federal dollars over the next four years. 

"What, as a board, are we prepared to do if it comes down to it? Are we prepared to continue programs for x amount of time until we can reconvene?" Koch asked. 

Schraw said, "I'm sorry. I think we could chase our tails for a while tonight speculating about what might happen. I think we need to be prepared for the possibility of having an emergency meeting to deal with whatever we are dealing with when we know what we are dealing with."

"I would certainly be available for an emergency meeting,” Board Member Sara Ward said. “It feels too hard to guess about these things. I'm glad you brought it up. It was a valuable conversation. At least we know we will call an emergency meeting."

"I think maybe not now but it's coming. We need to be prepared to respond as a board. It is part of our duty as board members," Koch said.

The three programs “are all so valuable," Board Member Savannah Hrenko said. "They are not going to be easy to talk about."

CORRECTIONS

This is a first. We have to correct last week’s correction, where we called April Bellant by her husband’s name, Kelly Bellant. April is a staff accountant for McLane Blatchford CPA Firm, the new owners of Ralph Gillett’s CPA business. Kelly Bellant is a manager at LexaMar. We apologize to all concerned!

Last week’s story on the appointment of Chris Christensen and Samantha Geiersbach to the Main Street Board incorrectly stated that there were four applicants for the two positions, when there were actually six applicants. Debbie Derenzy and Lori Pickette applied but were not chosen, in addition to Brennen Wright, owner of For Fun’s Sake toy store, and James Ploe, owner of Sunnyside restaurant. 

By Jim Baumann, jim@boynecitizen.com

Two random incidents reported to the Boyne Citizen in the past week show how the Boyne City Police Department responds to a wide variety of big and small emergencies in their normal course of business.  

If you’re someone who thinks that cops spend most of their time driving around, looking for speeders, the range of what they come across, day after day, might surprise you.

Police Chief Kevin Spate sums it up by saying “A lot of what we do is problem solving. People call 911 when they have a problem and our job is to try to solve that problem.”

Case in point a minor emergency early last week: City resident Trish Wright went to the car wash facility on M75 east of town, and the door wouldn’t open when the car wash was finished. She was trapped! 

She wasn’t really scared, but she was thankful that when she called 911, a Boyne City policeman (she thinks it was new officer Gerald Boron) responded quickly. He and another car wash patron who arrived after Wright were able to, with considerable effort, pull up the malfunctioning door far enough for Wright to drive out. 

The officer was able to call the business owner, who said he had placed traffic cones in front of the car wash to signal it was out of order, but the cones were gone by the time Wright and the police arrived on the scene. 

Mission accomplished, and a minor problem was solved.

A few days later on Friday evening, Feb. 7, the police came to the rescue again, this time on the loop driveway of Veterans Park, for what turned out to be a major emergency. City resident Michelle Archer tells this story in a letter:

“To all of the Angels involved: Jonathan and I would like to give thanks to the people who saved my mother Eleanor West’s life in the late evening of Friday, February 7. To begin with, we'd like to extend our thanks to whomever made the call to report my mother's erratic driving. You did save her life! I am a firm believer in the adage, “See something and say something.” Many thanks to you!

“Next, thanks to the police officer who found her car, with her in it, in the loop around Veterans park, down by the lake. She was in her car and was nearly nonresponsive. EMS was called to the scene. Our town's EMS team gave excellent care and were able to inform myself and my husband as to what had occurred since their arrival on the scene. 

“While everything was in progress, a Charlevoix County officer came to our home to inform Jonathan and I of what had been occurring (as we had already been sleeping). Jonathan and I got up and dressed to go wherever my mother was to be transported for hospital care. 

“As we were getting out of our door, we received a phone call from the officer that had been at our home moments before. He called to inform us that Boyne City EMS were waiting until we got to the park (only a little over a mile from our home) to discuss their next steps with us. While we were en route to the park, the paramedic and the doctor at the hospital that had been contacted had decided that my mother was to be transported to an emergency department for further assessment and care.

“So, after driving to the hospital, we were allowed to sit in the room with Mom - until she had been treated and then determined to be able to be discharged - into our care to take her home. Without getting into too many more details, mom's "incident" definitely was a matter of life and death. 

“Jonathan (her son-in-law), myself. and her other family members are so grateful for you being there to save our loved one's life. You are ALL heroes ! You kept our 85-years-young mother here with us for more years of happiness ahead. With more gratitude than my words can express - THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!”

- Michelle Archer

City finally solves river mouth pump problems

By Jim Baumann, jim@boynecitizen.com 

The Boyne City Commission approved the purchase of a new $30,200 pump for the River Mouth Lift Station at its Tuesday meeting, which they believe will be the final step in correcting problems that have plagued the facility for several years.

“This problem all began with the changing of pump 3 back in early 2021,” said Doug Varney, the city’s director of utilities and public works. Two new pumps installed several weeks ago “are performing as designed with no clogging issues,” Varney said. 

The new pumps “are designed with an impeller that is built to process rags and debris” that get mixed in with sewage and have in the past resulted in ongoing clogging problems. 

Varney said his staff had needed to regularly visit the lift station to unclog pumps and pipes, sometimes on a daily basis. He mentioned an instance when a staff member was awakened by an alarm at 3 a.m. to deal with a serious clogging issue.

Getting advice on recommended pumps from engineering firm C2AE helped solve the problem in the end, Varney said. 

The contract was awarded to HTTS LLC of Alpena, the same contractor that installed pumps 1 and 2 in the lift station, which have been running smoothly since being installed eight weeks ago. 

In other business during a short 30-minute meeting held with Commissioners Marty Moody and Sandy Pritchard absent on Tuesday, the commission:

> Approved a $4,820 contract with Graham Electric to extend a preventative maintenance program for all of the city’s 9 generators.

> Approved Mayor Tim Nemecek’s reappointment of Deanna Englehart to the DDA/Main Street Board for a term ending Jan. 31, 2028.

> Appointed two people to the Board of Review to fill vacancies created by resignations. Danyell Minier was appointed to a three-year term expiring Jan. 31, 2028, and Michelle Hewitt was appointed to a term expiring Jan. 31, 2026. 

> More city news is included in the "Municipal News" section further down in this newsletter.

Rosie and Ellen Dart addressed the school board on Monday.

Mother and daughter raise $300 and school awareness to support kids with type I diabetes

By Jamie Baumann, jamie@boynecitizen.com

Fifth grader Rosie Dart was diagnosed with type I diabetes a year ago, when she was in fourth grade. At Monday's Boyne City Public Schools board meeting, Rosie and her mother, Ellen Dart, presented a report on their efforts to raise awareness with students and the community about the disease.

Type I diabetes, once called juvenile diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas makes little to no insulin, which is necessary for the body to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy. According to Mayo Clinic, factors like genetics and certain viruses can cause type I diabetes which usually first appears in childhood or adolescence. It has no cure and is treated by managing sugar and insulin through diet and lifestyle. Most children with type I diabetes wear a blood glucose meter that monitors their blood sugar levels. 

Last fall, collaborating with high school science teacher Avery Calnen, Ellen and Rosie designed T-shirts and sweatshirts saying, "Boyne Wears Blue for Type I Diabetes" to be worn annually on Nov. 14, World Diabetes Awareness Day. They made posters and raised $300 from shirt sales to supply each school building with finger prickers, urine tests, and candy to give students if their blood sugar is low.

"I have actually run into some students in the hall that needed something right now, and if I have something in my purse, that is really nice." Ellen said. 

Ellen and Rosie want to continue to raise awareness among students and parents about the symptoms of type I diabetes. Rosie's symptoms were mild, as they are with many children. She was constantly thirsty, drinking and urinating more frequently than normal. When diagnosed, she was taken to University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. 

"This is why I wanted to raise awareness of type I diabetes. I hadn't known the symptoms, and this went on for a month, because I thought it was just summer thirst," Ellen said. An early diagnosis can be life-saving. 

Other symptoms of type I diabetes can be bed-wetting in children who have never wet the bed during the night, feeling very hungry, losing weight without trying, feeling irritable or having other mood changes, feeling tired and weak, and having blurry vision. 

All three school buildings participated in Boyne Wears Blue. "The community support has been amazing," Ellen said.

The elementary school took good care of Rosie, according to Ellen. Moving on to middle school, Rosie learned that Principal Mike Wilson's daughter Josie also has type I diabetes and wears the same blood glucose meter as Rosie does. Rosie was very excited to meet her.

Rosie and Ellen would like "Boyne Wears Blue" to be an annual event on Nov.14 in Boyne City. They would like to find more ways to connect with others who have type I diabetes, perhaps through social media. Nov. 14 commemorates the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin in 1922.

"I'd like to see a mentoring program across the buildings," Ellen said. She described older students mentoring the younger ones as role models. 

"I want to thank Boyne City Public Schools for being supportive in so many ways. We are really blessed to be a part of this community. We are so grateful," Ellen told the school board on Monday. 

"Ellen, you are a great example of someone who just saw something that needed to be done, and found a really classy way to do it, worked through the process, and started something really cool here to support kids," Superintendent Pat Little said. "You are a great role model." 

School board accepts Booster Foundation donations

At the Boyne City Public Schools board meeting on Monday, the board accepted $18,074 from the Boyne City Booster Foundation. The funds went to the following programs:

• Senior All Night Party - $1,000
• High School Band - State Capitol Music Performance - $3400
• 8th Grade- Washington D.C Trip - $7,000
• Middle School E-Sports - $900
• Middle School STEM & Innovation - $2,300
• Middle School Innovations -$1,030
• High School Football - $1,500
• High School / Middle School Track - $500 
• Middle School Chess Club - $444.21

The Board discussed a communication plan for the May school bond election. Information will be available at school major community events. In addition, Superintendent Patrick Little will present information to service clubs and hold informational presentations at the high school library, which he said will be 20 minutes plus questions. The first library presentation will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23.

In other action the Board:

• Acknowledged the retirement of CTE Future Educator Academy teacher Michelle Deming.
• Approved a general fund budget amendment. Details.
• Approved several Title IX policy updates.
• Approved a new Michigan Earned Sick Time Policy. Details.
• Acknowledged a Michigan State Police Excellence Certificate for having 100% of buses pass safety standards.

Tickets on sale for BCHS Drama production of Mamma Mia

Tickets are now on sale for the Boyne City High School Drama Department’s spring musical, “Mamma Mia.” Showtimes are 7 p.m. on two weekends, Friday and Saturday, March 7 and 8, and March 14 and 15 at the high school Performing Arts Center.

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

The show will feature 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.

Register now for the Early Learners summer and fall programs

Boyne City Public Schools Early Learners Program registration for both summer and fall has started. For both programs, registered 4-year-olds can attend tuition-free Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The program is tuition-based before and after school, and on Fridays. The summer program will run from Monday, June 16, through Friday, Aug. 15.

For 3-year-olds the program is tuition-based from Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. A full day costs $40 and a half day until noon costs $30. After school care is available until 5:30 for additional charges.

"We offer a nurturing environment with a high-quality, educationally-based program," said Program Director Laurel Jewitt. 

Registration form is here. For further information, call or email Jessica Sutherland at the Early Learners Program office, (231) 439-8171, jsutherland@boyne.k12.mi.us.   

BCHS band members shine at District Festival

A group of 22 Boyne City High School band members turned in outstanding performances on Saturday, Feb. 8, at the District Solo and Ensemble Festival at Kingsley High School. All 21 events earned a First or Second Division rating with every participating student earning at least one First Division and most students earning more than one. 

The 12 events earning Superior ratings have also earned the right to perform at the State Festival. Special recognition goes to soloists Benjamin Ivie and Eeva Rintala along with Evan Biskner, Finn Brennan, Ricky Bristol, Carter Colston, Will Minnaar, Emma Patten, Ruby Richards and Clover Stainbrook, who were all part of one or more performances earning all “A”s.

“We are proud of everyone's hard work and outstanding performances,” Band Director Brandon Ivie said. 

First Division ratings and qualification for State Festival:

• Benjamin Ivie - French Horn solo
• Melody March - Flute solo
• Ben Mathers - Tenor Sax solo
• Will Minnaar - Tuba solo
• Emma Patten - Alto Sax solo
• Ruby Richards - Clarinet solo
• Eeva Rintala - French Horn solo
• Alizebeth Lewis, Ben Mathers - Mixed duet
• Benjamin Ivie, Isabella Richards, Eeva Rintala - French Horn trio
• LaKota Barber, Eeva Rintala, Anna Zucker - Brass trio
• Benjamin Ivie, Will Minnaar, Emma Patten, Ruby Richards - Mixed quartet
• Evan Biskner, Finn Brennan, Ricky Bristol, Carter Colston, Clover Stainbrook - Percussion Quintet
• Olivia Dobbins, Amelia Gross, Paige Hellebuyck, Lynsey Hudson, Josie LaCombe, Melody March, Ben Mathers, Emma Patten, Emmaleah Richards, Ruby Richards - Woodwind Ensemble
• Evan Biskner, Finn Brennan, Ricky Bristol, Carter Colston, Olivia Dobbins, Gabe Houser, Benjamin Ivie, Melody March, Will Minnaar, Clover Stainbrook - Percussion Ensemble

Second Division ratings:

• Olivia Dobbins - Trumpet solo
• Paige Hellebuyck - Clarinet solo
• Gabe Houser - Trumpet solo
• Josie LaCombe - Flute solo
• Alizebeth Lewis - Euphonium solo
• Amelia Gross, Lynsey Hudson - Woodwind duet
• Emma Patten, Emmaleah Richards, Ruby Richards - Saxophone trio

Conservancy makes winter fun free and easy by plowing parking lots and grooming trails

Looking for a new trail to explore by ski or snowshoe? Little Traverse Conservancy is plowing parking areas at a select number of nature preserves throughout their five-county service area. In addition, the organization is grooming trails at featured preserves in Charlevoix, Emmet, and Cheboygan counties.

“We hope this makes it easier for people to find a no-cost opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in the winter,” said Derek Shiels, the conservancy’s director of stewardship. 

To see a list of preserves and trails that will be kept open, visit www.landtrust.org/explore. Current grooming reports will be posted on the Conservancy’s Instagram and Facebook accounts and can also be found on the home page at www.landtrust.org.

The public is invited to a Feb. 22 Open House on the Pigeon River. You can discover almost nine miles of trails spanning three preserves on the Pigeon and Little Pigeon Rivers. Tours will leave the parking area at 1:30 and 3:30 pm. Home to unique wildlife such as elk, bobcats, and beaver, these preserves lead you to scenic river vistas, through upland forests, and past conifer swamps across 840 areas of protected lands. Hot cider, chili, and a warming campfire will be provided. Please bring your own skis and snowshoes. Some snowshoes will be provided for children under 14. To register, visit www.landtrust.org/events. There is no charge.

Winter festivals set for Feb. 22 in Boyne and Walloon

The 2025 Boyne City Winter Festival will be held in Veterans Park on Saturday, Feb. 22. It’s a benefit for the Waterfront Field of Dreams project - “a family-friendly event that also supports a great cause.”

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

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

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

A few miles down Highway M75, Walloon Winterfest is planned for the same day, Saturday, February 22. Join that festival at the Talcott Event Center for a day of family-friendly events - a free bean pot, vintage snowmobiles, local beer and wine tasting, live ice carving, raffles, and giveaways. Stay tuned for more details.

NLEA unveils strategic plan for 4-county area

Following six months of work, the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance has shared its new comprehensive three-year strategic plan. Guided by insights from more than 250 community and business leaders, the plan is designed to drive economic resiliency and prosperity across the four-county region of Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Emmet counties. Here are some excerpts:

“The plan calls attention to key obstacles and opportunities for a more resilient regional economy. According to the plan, one obstacle is the region’s population imbalance. While the population has grown, that growth is driven by older age groups; our youth and young adult population is shrinking. Our region’s working-age population (25- to 54-years-old) has fallen at a rate that is nearly double the state’s rate presenting significant challenges for many employers. The plan also identifies other concerns raised by business and community leaders, including limited infrastructure and development-ready sites which serve as a barrier to strategic business growth and workforce housing. The plan calls for strategies to tackle these and other barriers to ensure long-term economic vitality.”

“A notable opportunity highlighted in the plan is the region’s abundance of natural assets and recreational opportunities that drive our tourism economy but also help to retain and attract entrepreneurs, businesses, and residents to live and invest in the area. The plan also emphasizes the region's often overlooked strong base of advanced manufacturing, marine-construction, and other industries that are innovating to meet global demands and provide a diversity of higher wage career opportunities.”

Read the full Strategic Plan.

Boyne Eta Nu Charities donates $3,500 to hospice

The Boyne Eta Nu Lights of Love Committee last week presented a $3,500 donation to Melissa McDonald-Reed, Northern Michigan director of philanthropy for Hospice of Michigan, along with her team members from Gaylord and Charlevoix. The monies are designated for patients and their families in Charlevoix, Emmet, and Otsego Counties. 

The funds were raised in December when Boyne Eta Nu Charities held their 37th annual Lights of Love fundraiser, when community members gathered for a tree lighting and dedication ceremony. The charity event is designed to remember and memorialize loved ones during the holiday season by the purchase of green, blue, red and gold tree lights and keepsake wooden hearts that adorn a holiday tree on the Dilworth Hotel porch.

Hospice of Michigan has been caring for patients and families for more than 40 years, serving 50 Michigan counties. As an independent, statewide not-for-profit hospice program, they are driven by their mission, “Every Person, Every Time,” meeting their patients and families where they are and surrounding them with dedicated expertise. 

Boyne Eta Nu Charities thanks the many community members who made donations to Lights of Love. A complete list of individuals who were honored can be found on their Facebook page.  They are also thanking and recognizing their community sponsors who contributed to the Lights of Love event, including Bob Grove and the Dilworth Hotel for hosting the tree, Bill’s Farm Market of Petoskey for providing the tree, Wright Builders & Design for the painted wooden hearts, Father Dennis Stilwell for blessing the tree, Boyne River Grill for providing hot chocolate, and the Boyne City High School Drama Department for providing holiday caroling and a flute duet.

In the past 37 years, Boyne Eta Nu has contributed over $129,150 to several hospice programs in the three-country area. “We are pleased to continue to make a difference in our communities for patients and families who need hospice services,” said Pati Scott, chairman of the Lights of Love event.

Citizen looks to expand team of writers and board members 

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

> Freelance writer responsibilities.

> Freelance writers fillable application form.

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

> Board member responsibilities.

> Board member fillable application form.

Help us spread the word about local journalism ...

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• We’d also like to hear from writers and editors who would like to become involved.

Boyne Area News Briefs

FIBER-OPTIC INTERNET is now installed at the Boyne District Library. Their public wi-fi is always free, and if you don't have your own device/computer the library has free public computers to use as well. 

FREE FISHING WEEKEND - Two days twice a year, you can enjoy one of Michigan's premiere outdoor activities, fishing, for free. The 2025 Free Fishing Weekends are February 15 and 16 and this summer, June 7 and 8. All fishing license fees will be waived for two days. A Recreation Passport will not be required for entry into state parks and recreation areas during Free Fishing Weekend. Residents and out-of-state visitors may enjoy fishing on both inland and Great Lakes' waters for all species of fish. All fishing regulations will still apply.

HELP FOR WHITEFISH - It's been about a century since whitefish spawned in northern Michigan rivers. As their numbers dwindle in Lakes Michigan and Huron, researchers are hoping rivers will be the ticket to helping their numbers recover. And to make it happen, they're trying out what is basically a waterslide for fish eggs in the Jordan River.

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

City of Boyne City Municipal News

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. 

WINTER PROPERTY TAX bills are due at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14. All payments received after that time will be considered late and incur an interest penalty.

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT from the Feb. 11 City Commission meeting:

> The City's new website went live last Monday, February 3rd. Kudos to Jacob and Jen and all those involved in its creation. Suggestions for improvements are always welcome.

> The draft Master Plan is out for the 63-day comment period. That is scheduled to end at the end of the day on 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.

> The review of our Planning Director candidates continues with the scheduling of a second interview for our lead candidate later this week or early next.

Main Street Updates:

1. Anna Burkhart was voted chair of Boyne City Main Street Board of Directors and Patti Gabos as Vice Chair until the end of February, 2026.

2. Main Street continued their support of the Morel Mushroom Festival and Fourth of July activities with contributions to both organizations. We appreciate the efforts of all those involved.

3. Main Street was pleased to receive bids for repairs to the boardwalk and railing. At their board meeting this past Thursday, they voted to accept the bid from Renewit Decks and Outdoor Living (not to exceed $117,853.38 that includes a $18, 853 contingency) for the boardwalk repair and from Tip of the Mitt Welding (not to exceed $29,870) for the railing and gates that line the boardwalk. The two companies will work together with these commercial grade repairs.

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

> City Commission's next regular meeting is at 12 noon Tuesday, Feb. 25. 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. 

• EDC 1 seat. Applications due 3/11.
• LDFA 2 seats. Applications due 3/11.
• Main Street Board 1 seat. Applications due 2/20.
• Airport Board – 3 seats open
• Zoning Board of Appeals – 3 seats open

Obituaries

Veronica Rose Matelski

Passed away February 5, 2025 (age 94)

This daguerreotype photograph of William and Lucinda (Jones) Calbert was taken sometime in 1870-1871. While no photographer’s mark is present on this type of photograph, it was most likely a wedding photograph taken while the Calberts were still residing in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Courtesy of the collection of the late Bob Morgridge.

THROUGH THE HISTORIAN'S LENS

Recognizing the Calbert family and other early black pioneers for Black History Month

By Patrick McCleary, Throughthehistorianslens@gmail.com

The Charlevoix County History Preservation Society

National Black History Month

“I call upon public officials, educators, librarians, and all the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.”

White House Proclamation, February 1, 2025

The month of February has long been officially recognized as Black History Month. It is an occasion and an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of the many black Americans who have shaped both our nation’s and our own local history. While thoughts may initially go to the lives and accomplishments of American heroes such as Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, and Martin Luther King Jr., it is important to remember the indelible mark that black citizens made on the early landscape of what we now call Boyne City.

Most are familiar with the remarkable accomplishments and generous benevolence of Zachariah and Mary (Nevitt) Morgan. Few however, may be as familiar with some of the many other black citizens of Charlevoix County and the various townships that surround the Village and subsequent City of Boyne. The Swan and Burton family were the first to settle in what later became the Undine Settlement. Through written correspondence, the Nicholas Morgan family came to the area, followed by Nicholas’ brother, Zachariah Morgan and family. Armaniah Scipio and his family settled in Wilson Township and the Clark Boston family took up residence in Eveline Township. Soon after, Evangeline Township became the home of the Elmer Johnson and William Bracey families. Charlevoix County’s black heritage runs both long and deep.

Another such family arrived in Charlevoix County at the very onset of the 1870s. William Calbert, who is said to have been a former slave who had gained his freedom by escaping to Canada, and his wife, Lucinda (Jones) Calbert, settled in Wilson Township and acquired a substantial number of acres. After the Civil War, William Calbert had relocated to Ypsilanti in Washtenaw County, Michigan. There, he took on jobs as a sailor. Several of the families above mentioned also resided in Ypsilanti prior to coming north to obtain grants of land from the U.S. Government.

While still in Ypsilanti, William met and married Miss. Lucinda Jones on Dec. 22, 1869. As often happens, Lucinda’s heritage seems to have been omitted from the history books. Lucinda was the daughter of William Riley Jones who was born in 1807 in North Carolina. In 1838, this William married Lucy Ann Morgan, the daughter of a John Morgan and a relation to brothers Zachariah and Nicholas Morgan. Some records state that this William Jones served as a Private in the Civil War, yet no military record has yet been uncovered. This could indicate that he went to war in the stead of a white man, although no slave records have yet been uncovered and as early as 1853, Lucinda’s entire family are listed as “free people of color.”

Imagine for a moment that both your father and mother are free, as are you and each of your siblings. The decision has been made to leave your home and travel to the wilderness settlements of Michigan. In making this journey (c1853) you settle in Indiana for a time, where your father is asked to “register” his children on the “Registers of Negroes and Mulattoes” maintained by the Clerk of County Courts. In doing so, William Jones was asked to describe his children and did so in the following terms, dated August 22, 1853:

• Irvin Jones, age 14, a black boy, four feet 11 ½ inches high and growing; rather a light negro; no scars or marks perceivable, is the son of William Riley Jones Esquire.
• Enoch Jones, age 13, a black boy, four feet 9 ½ inches high; rather a light negro; has a small scar ½ inch long on the back of his left hand near the wrist; is a son of Wm Riley Jones Esquire.
• Willis Jones, age: 12, a light negro boy, now 4 feet and ½ inch high and growing; no particular marks or scars; son of William Riley Jones.
• Thomas Jones, age 9, a black boy three feet eleven inches high, is a rather light negro and seems to be growing; is the son of William Riley Jones Esquire.
• Oliver Jones, age 7, a black boy, 3 feet and ½ inch high but will get higher fast; is rather light negro; nothing remarkable about him in the way of scars. He is son of Wm R. Jones.
• Lucinda Jones, age 5, a black girl, lively and of a light complexion; has a scar on the right side of her neck occasioned by a burn; is the daughter of William Riley Jones Esquire.
• Mary Jones, age 3, a black girl, a plump little darkie, light complexion, without a spot or blemish in the way of a scars, etc.; daughter of William Riley Jones Esquire.
• Baby [William Riley, Jr.] Jones, age 1, a black boy, plump little nigger baby and so fair [that] no marks or brands are perceivable; is a son of Wm R. Jones Sr.

Conquering the obstacles, the Jones family reached Michigan, settled and prospered in Ypsilanti. William Riley Jones and his wife, Lucy Ann were the parents of at least 10 children - their daughter, Lucinda Jones Calbert being the subject of our story.

Leaving Ypsilanti, Lucinda and her husband William took up over 80 acres in Wilson Township. They arrived shortly after 1870 and began having children and cultivating their land, some of which would eventually become the Calbert Addition to Boyne City. Part of their holdings included what is now Leroy Street on the west end of Division Street. For a time, they resided in the home at the end of Leroy Street, where several of their children were born and several subsequently passed away and are buried in the Old Boyne City Cemetery on the corner of Leroy and Division Streets.  

Said to have been taken in 1890, the teacher (seated in the center) was Miss Sara Louise Jones. She is being photographed with her rather large class of students. Seated in the front row, fourth child from the left, is William Riley Calbert. The photo’s backdrop attributes the photographer to either George Black or Walter Ware. The two men worked independently and also as partners. Photograph courtesy of the Patrick McCleary collection.

An agricultural census taken in 1880 gives evidence of the Calberts’ prosperity and some insight into the pioneer settlers of our area, both black and white. Of their 82 owned acres, the Calbert family had tilled nine of them for crops, maintained two for the use of meadowland or grazing land, and left 71 wooded acres for timber income. In that year alone, their income had come from several sources. Two acres of their crops had been devoted to Indian corn, which was used to feed their own livestock and sold to other area residents for feed. Their two acres of wheat had kept the Calbert family in bread and was sold to local merchants at a profit. Forty-five cords of wood had been taken from their woodland acreage, much of which was also sold within the local community, as was the potato yield taken from a single acre dedicated solely to this crop.

Had we visited the Calbert farm at that time, which was owned free of mortgage and valued at over $1000, we would have found two working oxen, both purebred; a cow that had just recently calved; two pigs and 12 chickens that were producing about 26 dozen eggs on a regular basis. There was also mention of 40 pounds of butter. The parents of at least nine children (an exact number is not known), only two survived into adulthood - a daughter, Evalena “Eva” (Calbert) Brunson, and a son, William Riley “Riley” Calbert.

Sometime around 1910, William retired from his farm labors and the Calberts moved to Los Angeles, California. After only a few years there, they returned to Boyne City and resided in a home at 312 Trent Street. It was there that William Calbert would pass away in 1914, leaving Lucinda a widow. Their son, William Riley Calbert (named after both his father and maternal grandfather), assisted his mother in selling the family holdings here and relocated the family to Hanford in Kings County, California. It was there that Lucinda (Jones) Calbert died in 1919.

> 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.

OUR READERS WRITE

As previously mentioned, more and more of you are taking the time to reach out via email to share additional information on this column’s content. Additional information, your shared memories and even notes of correction are vital to the preservation of our local history. If you have memories or information pertaining to an article’s subject matter, please take a moment to reach out using the e-mail address provided. By working together, we can take Boyne City history to a entirely new level. 

One such contact was recently received from Gregg Smith of Traverse City (and formerly of Boyne City) in response to my January 23rd article on the Lutheran Church. Gregg writes:

“Reading the Lutheran Church historical perspective and pastor’s list, the absence of longtime minister Richard Noffze was apparent. He and his wife, Hildegard, along with two daughters, Helen and Elaine, ministered to the Lutheran family in the 50s and 60s. They were special emissaries of the Gospel and left their mark on the community and its families.”

Thanks to Gregg’s contributed information, another name can now be added to the roster of Lutheran Church ministers. Some additional research shows that Rev. Noffze and his wife served the Boyne City parish from 1954-1971. At the conclusion of their tenure, they moved to Gaylord to retire. 

Rev. Richard Theodor Hermann Noffze, Jr. (1906-1982)

Hildegard Emma Olga (Gohlke) Noffze (1911-2003)

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MUSIC, ARTS, AND ENTERTAINMENT

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

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

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

Mondays - Sean Bielby

Tuesdays - Lara Fullford

Wednesdays - Pete Kehoe

Thursdays - Trivia & music by Holly Keller

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

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

> LIVE MUSIC

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

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

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

> Open Saturdays 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

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

> SINGO BINGO - Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

> LIVE MUSIC at 7 p.m.

Thursdays - Adam and the Cabana Boys

Fridays & Saturdays - Patrick Ryan

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

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

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

> LIVE MUSIC - Saturdays 2-6 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 15 - Chris Calleja

Saturday, Feb. 22 - Michelle Chenard

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

> LIVE MUSIC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday, March 15 - Henhouse Prowlers. Founded two decades ago with the simple desire to play original and powerful bluegrass, this Chicago-bred quartet now finds themselves at the intersection of performance, diplomacy, and education. Onstage, the group's enthralling performances give audiences a sense of how much they love what they do. On record – including their latest offering, 2023’s Lead and Iron, released via Dark Shadow Recording – the band explores their collective life experiences through songwriting and intricate instrumentation. While bluegrass is the undeniable foundation of the Prowlers’ music, the band bends and squeezes the traditional form into a keenly developed sound all their own.

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

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

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

> TRIVIA NIGHT - Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

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

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

> LIVE MUSIC 8 to 11 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 14 - Two Track Mind

Friday, Feb. 21 - The Shifties

Friday, Feb. 28 - Lou Thumser

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.

> FREE WINTER MOVIES - Saturday, Feb. 15, showing “The Jungle Book” at 2 p.m. and “A Bug’s Life” at 4 p.m. Free admission; refreshments available for purchase. No outside food or beverages. Let's do something different on a Saturday afternoon - bring a bean bag, sleeping bag, camp chair, whatever is comfortable, and laugh with the kids and reminisce from your childhood. 

> WELLNESS WORKSHOP - March 8. 

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

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

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

LIVE MUSIC 6-9 p.m.

Feb. 18 - Buddah Sweet

Feb. 25 - Ryan Luce

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

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

> Second Saturday of the month - Karaoke with DJ T-Bone Thompson from 8-11 p.m. It's a fun-filled night of singing, laughter, and craft beer. Whether you’re a pro or just want to have fun, the stage is yours.

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

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

> Jelly Roll performs in our log cabin event center at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22.

The Boyne Citizen

Email: jim@boynecitizen.com

Phone: 231-459-4166

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