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July 23, 2026 | Issue #96 | Past issues

Updating those 2018 goals

The Boyne City Commission’s 2018 goals, shown here behind City Manager Sam Demel, have been displayed at city meetings for the past eight years, and an update is now in the works. See our story below for details.

Inside this issue:

• Bob Mathers Ford closing Sept. 1 after 53 years
• City launches first strategic planning effort in years
• Food Truck Rally brings variety to Veterans Park tonight
• Earl Street residents raise concerns over proposed housing
• Historian to share rare BC photos and hidden stories
• Stroll the Streets lineup for Friday night
• Tractors, food, music and fun at Flywheelers show
• Statewide & countywide races on Aug. 4 primary ballot
• Laura Crowe to perform for Evenings at the Gazebo
• Classic Instruments hosts open house and car show
• Eveline board hears updates on bike lane, new cemetery
• Michigan Walleye Championship comes to Boyne City
• Boyne City gas prices rise 30 cents in past week
• Patrick McCleary history: The Mitchell LaCroix story
• News briefs, Obituaries & Municipal News
• Thanks to the donors who keep the news coming!
• Music and entertainment listings

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Details and more pictures

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"It's all about the building," Mathers says, and meeting Ford's requirements wasn't going to work in Boyne City

By Jim Baumann, jim@boynecitizen.com

Bob Mathers Ford has started telling its customers that they will be closing as of September 1. It will be the end of 109 years of a vehicle dealership operating in that 224 Water Street location in downtown Boyne City. 

It’s been called Bob Mathers Ford for 53 years, since the current Robert A. Mathers’ father Robert G. Mathers purchased the dealership from Dick Cote in the fall of 1973. The younger Mathers has worked there for 45 years. 

So, what happened?

Mathers said Ford Motor Company “sent me a letter in November and told me I had 30 days to respond with a business plan to meet their building requirements.”

“I sent a letter back and I told them there's no way. There’s no financial way possible to make that happen.”

“It's all about the building,” he said. “Our building needs to be brought up to specs to their requirements. Everyone has seen the newer stores, and they have the big beautiful facades out front. They have customer lounge areas.” 

That just wasn’t going to work for a dealership in Boyne City. Mathers said he’s never even bothered to try to meet Ford’s building standards “because I know there's no way I'd ever financially be able to meet their standards.”

“My argument to Ford was, ‘This is a historic town.’ I said, if I build a building like you want me to build, I'm gonna stand out like a sore thumb. At this point when you drive through our town, people drive past the dealership, and don't even realize it's a dealership. It blends in.”

“For years we were grandfathered in, and around 2009 they went into a rampage of trying to get some of the smaller dealers out,” Mathers said.

“And then they settled down and didn't do anything. But now (since the November letter) it came down to the point that they said, ‘You do this now, and we will make an adjustment.’” And that “adjustment” will pay him a modest fee.

The other choice, Mather said, was “We'll make no adjustment and you'll be done, and you'll have nothing. Your choice.” 

So the nine employees of Bob Mathers Ford will apparently be out of their jobs as of September1, although there is a possibility that after the dealership closes, that some new ownership could open a service and body shop. 

“I'm hoping we can figure out some way out that, under different ownership, somebody can make that happen,” Mathers said. Otherwise, all the local people who bought Fords from Mathers over the years will have to drive 20 miles to have their vehicles serviced in Charlevoix, Petoskey, or Gaylord.

Mathers is 63, and he’s not ready to retire, but he hasn’t figured out what he will do after September. 

Naturally, he’s disappointed that the Mathers era will be ending, but he could see the end might be coming ever since the Covid pandemic in 2020. His dealership’s best selling cars were the Edge and the Escape, and Ford has discontinued both models. 

“In the last handful of years, we've lost the Focus, the Fusion, the Escape, the Edge. They don't make the Transit Connect, which was a popular little van.” Mathers said he used to be able to lease those more affordable cars for about $350 a month, but lately he can’t lease anything for under $550.

“This building was opened on September 17, 1917, and it's been a business, a Ford store every day since, and never closed. It made it through the Depressions and the recessions, and always stayed open. So, I think that works out to be 109 years, and then we've been here 53. I’ve been here 45 years and Wendy (his sister) has been here 47.” 

Boyne City launches first strategic planning effort in years with state grant support

By Annie Doyle Grove, annie@boynecitizen.com 

Boyne City is embarking on its first comprehensive strategic planning process in at least eight years, launching a months-long effort to develop a community-driven roadmap that will guide future decisions on everything from infrastructure and economic development to budgeting and grant applications.

The Boyne City Commission unanimously approved a $15,750 agreement with Networks Northwest during its July 14 meeting to facilitate the development of the city's new strategic plan. Most of the cost will be covered by an $11,812.50 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, leaving the city's share at $3,937.50.

According to City Manager Sam Demel, commissioners initiated the process to create a data-driven strategic roadmap that aligns city resources with community priorities, guides future decision-making and improves the city's competitiveness for grant funding.

The process is expected to take six to eight months and will be led by Networks Northwest, a regional planning and economic development organization that assists local governments throughout northwest Michigan.

Rather than relying solely on elected officials, the planning process will include broad community participation. Networks Northwest will help assemble a stakeholder committee of approximately 10 to 12 people representing city commissioners, the planning commission, city staff, residents, business owners, educators, nonprofit organizations and neighborhood representatives.

Community input will also play a central role. The process will include a public survey, a community engagement session and outreach at local events designed to encourage residents to share their priorities for Boyne City's future.

Before developing new goals, Networks Northwest will review existing city plans, studies and policy documents to identify recurring priorities, previous accomplishments and areas where earlier initiatives may have fallen short.

Using that information and community feedback, the stakeholder committee will identify no more than six "Strategic Pillars" representing the city's highest priorities. 

The commission held an initial strategic visioning workshop in February, identifying housing, infrastructure, fiscal responsibility, community engagement and parks among its top priorities. The formal planning process approved this month is expected to build on that discussion by incorporating broader public participation and producing a long-term strategic plan for commission adoption.

Once completed, the final draft will be presented to the City Commission for review and consideration.

Mike Smith Celebration of Life

1-3 p.m. Friday, August 7, 2026 at Boyne City Hall

Mike's obituary

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Food Truck Rally brings lots of variety (and live music) to Veterans Park tonight

A dozen food trucks from the Boyne area and all over northern Michigan will converge on Veterans Park from 5-9 p.m. tonight, Thursday. Seven beverage vendors will also be on site, and the Derailed band will play live music starting at 5:30.

There is a $10 entry fee that includes one drink ticket and a can koozie for adults. The entry fee is $5 for kids over age 11, and free for anyone 10 and under. The entry fee supports the Boyne City Farmers Market. The presenting sponsor is Big Country 102.9.

Food truck vendors

• Bangarang Tacos
• Claudie's Fresh Flaves
• Digs Berry Stand
• Kays Blissful Bites
• Sabores Y Calores
• Stiggs Brewery & Kitchen
• Sugar Kanes Concessions
• The Digs Food Truck
• The Dipped Cake Pop Shoppe
• The Rogue Pierogi
• Willyumz Food Truck
• Sweet Copper Sodas

Alcoholic Beverage Vendors

• Blu Dot Vineyard
• Ore Dock Brewing Co. 
• Short’s Brewing Co.
• Bee Well Mead & Cider
• Long Road Distillers
• Left Foot Charley
• Muskrat Distilling

Correction

In last week's July 16 edition of the Boyne Citizen, our article on the Flats on Court workforce housing development incorrectly stated that five residents spoke in opposition to that project before the Boyne City Commission's vote. In fact, those residents were commenting during the public comment portion of the July 14 meeting about a separate proposed housing development near Earl and Morgan streets, not the Flats on Court project. A story on the Earl and Morgan development is below.

The site plan for the Boyne City Housing Commission project that would construct 16 two-family residential buildings — creating 32 homes — on an 8.99-acre vacant parcel north of Division Street.

Neighbors raise concerns over proposed low-income housing development

By Annie Doyle Grove, annie@boynecitizen.com 

Neighbors of a proposed 16-duplex low-income housing development used the public comment period during the July 14 Boyne City Commission meeting to urge city officials to reconsider a project they say will bring too much density, traffic and change to their quiet residential neighborhood.

The comments came about a month after the Boyne City Planning Commission unanimously approved a site plan for the Boyne City Housing Commission to construct 16 two-family residential buildings — creating 32 homes — on an 8.99-acre vacant parcel north of Division Street, south of Morgan Street and west of Earl Street. The development will be built as a site condominium with access from Morgan and Earl streets.

Unlike workforce housing developments, which typically serve households earning higher percentages of the Area Median Income, the proposed development will provide Section 8 subsidized housing for lower-income households.

Although the City Commission took no action on the development July 14, five residents addressed commissioners. One resident questioned the commission's role in the project, noting that commissioners appoint members of the Housing Commission.

According to the approved plans, each home will have two off-street parking spaces, with on-site stormwater retention ponds, landscaping and a new sidewalk along the development frontage.

Planning Director Zachary Sompels recommended approval after determining the proposal met all zoning ordinance requirements. The Planning Commission approved the development plan by an 8-0 vote at their June 15 regularly scheduled meeting.

Bridget Foltz, a Boyne City planning commissioner and city commissioner, said the Planning Commission's role was to evaluate whether the proposal complied with the city's zoning ordinance, which she said it did.

"We did go through that process," Foltz said, referring to residents who later questioned whether the Planning Commission had fully scrutinized the proposal.

Following the Planning Commission's approval, the Housing Commission said in a June announcement:

"By developing this long-vacant parcel with thoughtfully designed two-family homes, we are working to address local housing needs while respecting the character of the surrounding traditional residential neighborhood."

Residents who spoke July 14 said they support additional housing but believe the project is too dense for the neighborhood.

"We always knew something was going to go there," Cammie Moss, of 727 Earl St., said. "But we thought it would be similar housing, similar houses, not more than double what is existing there right now."

Moss said the development would bring too much traffic to the dead-end street and expressed concerns about emergency vehicle access, the loss of trees and the impact on surrounding property values.

"We made this our retirement home," she said. "You're devaluing our property."

Johnny Schaefer, of 801 Earl St., read a letter on behalf of neighbors Mike Daniels and Tracy Griffin, who wrote that while they support responsible growth and recognize the city's need for additional housing, they believe the proposal is "the wrong development in the wrong location."

The letter described Earl Street as a quiet neighborhood of single-family homes and mature trees and argued the proposed density is incompatible with the area's character.

Residents also questioned whether Earl Street's infrastructure was designed to accommodate additional traffic and expressed concerns about the loss of wooded green space, wildlife habitat, privacy and quality of life.

"We do not believe the existing infrastructure was intended to accommodate a project of this size," the letter stated.

The neighbors also said they felt public input had not been given meaningful consideration.

"Community engagement should be more than a procedural requirement," the letter stated.

Longtime Earl Street resident Richard Brannan questioned whether the city had ever approved a development with similar density along such a short stretch of roadway, comparing the proposal to spreading an apartment building across a series of duplexes.

Dave Sandin, who lives at 629 S. East St., urged commissioners to consider the concerns of existing homeowners.

"We bought our homes there for a reason," he said.

While acknowledging those concerns, Foltz said the city must also consider residents who are struggling to find housing.

"The sad fact of the matter is we have a massive demand for housing," she said. "It's a nationwide problem, and we have it happening right here."

Foltz said the Boyne City Housing Commission currently has nearly 100 people on its waiting list across its housing programs.

"I would love to hear from those people too, because they also have a voice, and they're looking, and they need it as well," she said.

Foltz said the Housing Commission has owned the property for about 25 years, making future development a possibility that prospective homebuyers could have considered when purchasing nearby properties. "When you buy property, you ought to know the adjacent property," she said.

The Housing Commission said the project will now move into the next phases of funding, engineering, permitting and construction. A construction timeline has not been announced.

Aerial photo of the proposed housing project location.

Help wanted - Career Advisor for Petoskey Michigan Works! Office

Northwest Michigan Works! is seeking a full-time Career Advisor to help individuals achieve their employment and career goals. In this customer-focused role, you will provide career assessments, job search assistance, resume and interview coaching, work readiness training, and connections to community resources. You'll work closely with customers, employers, and community partners to develop individualized career plans and support successful employment outcomes.

Qualified candidates will have experience in education, human services, case management, or a related field, along with strong communication, customer service, and coaching skills. An associate degree or equivalent experience is preferred. Knowledge of the local labor market, proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, and the ability to build collaborative partnerships are essential.

This full-time salaried position starts at $45,000 annually and includes an outstanding benefits package featuring employer-paid health, dental, and vision, retirement contributions, life and disability insurance, paid time off, holidays, a cell phone, and a computer.

Join our team and make a meaningful impact in the lives of job seekers throughout Northwest Michigan!

To apply, please email your cover letter and résumé to: cristal.guinan@networksnorthwest.org

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Local historian to share rare photos, hidden stories of Boyne City's past 

By Annie Doyle Grove, annie@boynecitizen.com 

History buffs and longtime residents alike will have a chance to explore Boyne City's past when local historian and genealogist Patrick McCleary presents a “History of Boyne City” program at the Charlevoix Public Library on Tuesday, July 28.

The free program will be held from 6-8 p.m. in Community Rooms A and B at the library in partnership with the Charlevoix Historical Society.

McCleary, a Certified Genealogist and the Boyne Citizen's regular history columnist, has spent more than four decades researching the history of Boyne City and the surrounding region. His presentation will feature more than 100 historic photographs, many drawn from his private collection and the personal collections of some of Boyne City's earliest families.

"The pictures are the big thing," McCleary said. "Most of those are from my private collection, so they're ones that people don't see every day."

While the presentation will touch on familiar names such as the Miller and Morgan families, McCleary said he plans to shine a light on other early residents whose contributions have often been overlooked.

"I'm also going to highlight some of our other significant families, many of which don't get the attention that I feel they should," he said.

In addition to tracing Boyne City's development from its 1856 settlement through its rise as one of Northern Michigan's leading lumber communities, McCleary said attendees can expect to hear some lesser-known stories and learn the truth behind a few long-standing local legends.

"We're going to dispel a few of the early inaccurate myths about Boyne City," he said.

But exactly which stories are fact and which have grown into local folklore? McCleary isn't spoiling the surprises — you'll have to attend the presentation to find out.

The Charlevoix Public Library is located at 220 W. Clinton St. in Charlevoix. For more information, call the library at (231) 237-7340.

Here is a printable PDF of the lineup of all performers for the full season.

The daily 2 p.m. Tractor Parade is a highlight of the Flywheelers Show. More photos from 2023.

Tractors, food, music and fun at Flywheelers annual show starting today 

There will be many tractors and engines to see along with fun activities at the annual Northern Michigan Antique Flywheelers (NMAF) show running Thursday, July 23 through Sunday, July 26. The 2026 show is featuring hand start tractors and diesel stationary engines.

In an effort to provide affordable family fun, the Flywheelers Club has not changed the price of admission for over a decade; prices are still only $7 for guests 13 and up, children 12 and under are free, and seniors 65 and over can get in for $5 on Thursday. 

Each year the club selects features for the show in the tractors and engines categories to encourage ever-changing equipment displays. “The great thing about choosing a feature of a tractor to showcase instead of a brand of tractor is that so many makes and models from an era can be included in the category,” said NMAF Club President Dave Korthase. “Choosing hand start tractors means more fun for everyone to display and view some really neat old tractors.” 

Korthase pointed out that this is true for the planned 2027 feature, “family heritage tractors,” as well. 

As in past years, there is far more to see and do at the show than enjoy the tractors. The show’s daily opening ceremonies kick off the exhibits and demonstrations at 9 a.m. There is a buffet breakfast each day from 7-9 a.m. Attractions at the show include the daily 2 p.m. tractor parade, antique autos, a large flea market, oil field engines, arts and craft vendors, the sawmill, the veneer mill and basket factory, the kiddie train, one-room schoolhouse, museums, and food options at several venues on the showgrounds. 

Music is also a mainstay of the show with local talent including Horton Creek, the AusSable River Dixieland Band, Don and Lisa, Kelly Snively, Joe Collet & Diane, Larry the Accordion Man and Friends, plus gospel music from Judi Slocum on Sunday morning. Several open mike sessions are also scheduled. Here is the festival music schedule.

The Northern Michigan Antique Flywheelers Club is an educational nonprofit organization that uses demonstrations and displays to showcase “Life in the Past Lane” and to present many aspects of daily life in rural northern Michigan in the early part of the 1900s. The club is an all-volunteer group that invites the public to learn about the past at its annual show the last full weekend of July each summer. It also annually hosts more than 1,000 area fourth graders over a four-day period in September for Student Harvest Days. 

> The showgrounds are located on US-131 between Boyne Falls and Walloon Lake. Information on the organization and its activities can be found at www.walloonlakeflywheelers.com, on Facebook as Northern Michigan Antique-Flywheelers Club, or by calling Dave Korthase at 231-582-6076. 

The Horton Creek bluegrass band will perform from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the Flywheelers show. Here is the full music schedule.

You may donate online or mail a check to

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

Thank you!

Statewide races on the Aug. 4 primary ballot

Charlevoix County voters will select their party's nominees for several statewide and federal offices during the Aug. 4 primary election. Because Michigan has a partisan primary, voters may vote in only one party's ballot.



• Governor: Democrats will choose between Jocelyn Benson and Christopher Robert Swanson. Republicans will choose among John James, Perry Johnson and Aric Nesbitt. Mike Cox remains on the Republican ballot, but he has ended his campaign.
• U.S. Senate: The race to succeed retiring U.S. Sen. Gary Peters is expected to be one of the nation's most competitive. Although Mallory McMorrow remains on the Democratic primary ballot, she has ended her campaign. Democratic voters will choose between Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens, while Republican Mike Rogers is unopposed.
• U.S. House, 1st Congressional District: Democratic voters will choose between Callie Barr, Kyle Blomquist and Wayne Stiles. Republicans will select between incumbent Jack Bergman, Matthew DenOtter and Justin Michal.
• 37th State Senate District: Democrats will choose between Kate Gallup and Mitchell Treadwell. Incumbent Republican John Damoose is unopposed.
• 107th State House District: Democrats will choose between Melissa Perron and Brendan E. Ryan. Incumbent Republican Parker Fairbairn is unopposed.
• County convention delegates: Voters in each party will also elect delegates to their respective county conventions.

Four countywide proposals on the Aug. 4 primary ballot

In addition to candidate races, Charlevoix County voters will decide four countywide proposals on the Aug. 4 primary ballot:



• County Transit Millage Renewal: Voters will decide whether to renew and restore a 0.25-mill levy for four years (2026-2029) to continue funding the operation of the Charlevoix County Transit System. If approved, the millage is expected to generate approximately $833,614 in its first year.
• County Parks Millage Renewal: This proposal would renew and restore a 0.15-mill levy for four years (2026-2029) to support the operation of county parks and capital improvements, while also helping fund improvements to other parks throughout the county. The levy is projected to raise about $500,169 in its first year.
• County Veterans Millage Renewal: Voters will be asked to renew and restore a 0.10-mill levy for four years (2026-2029) to fund the Charlevoix County Veterans Affairs Department, including veterans' assistance programs and services. The proposal is estimated to generate approximately $333,446 during its first year.
• Separate Tax Limitation Proposal: This proposal would establish county tax limitation allocations for five years (2027-2031), setting a cap on how the overall 5.9-mill constitutional limit is divided among the county (4.70 mills), townships (1.00 mill) and the Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District (0.20 mills). The measure effectively sets the maximum amount the county can levy for its general operations budget under Michigan's constitutional tax limitations.

Laura Crowe to perform for Evenings at the Gazebo concert on Wednesday

The Boyne Area Chamber Evenings at the Gazebo concert series continues at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, in Old City Park. This year’s concerts also include Maker’s Row featuring local artisans and creators, B.C. Pizza of Boyne on site, beverage trucks, and family-friendly activities.

Here is the entertainment schedule for the remainder of the summer:

• July 29 - Laura Crowe
• August 5 - Melissa and Jake
• August 12 - Hazel James Band
• August 19 - Dags Und Timmah! (rescheduled from July 15)
• August 26 - Nick Veine

The chamber has reserved the Veterans Park Pavilion in case of rain, so the concerts can continue as scheduled.

Classic Instruments hosts Appreciation Day Open House and car show Aug. 1

Area car lovers are invited to “bring your hot rod, classic car, motorcycle, or other cool rides for a day of entertainment and good company” at Classic Instruments in Boyne City from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, August 1.

Classic is hosting its 26th annual Appreciation Day Open House at 826 Moll Drive in the Boyne City Business Park.

The event also includes an optional Poker Run at 10 a.m. with a $25 entry fee that benefits the Boyne City Police Department. Participants will receive route details, a map, and a participant badge when they register that morning.

Classic Instruments will present specialty awards for cars on display, including the Jack McLeod Memorial Award, which honors Classic Instruments’ president John McLeod’s father. Jack was the longtime owner of Boyne Avenue Greenhouse and was active in the Rotary Club, Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce and other community organizations. “He was my best friend and hunting partner,” John said. “We honor him by picking a car he would have liked.

Appreciation Day will also include raffle drawings for prizes. Snacks and beverages will be available from BC Pizza and The Coffee Chariot, and DJ Bill DaCat will provide upbeat entertainment throughout the day. For questions or further information, call 800-575-0461.

Eveline Township Board hears updates to bike lane project, new cemetery and much discussion about docks

By Christine Brown, cmjbrown@live.com 

Trustee Rob Reynolds provided his fellow Eveline Township Board members with an update on the proposed Lakeshore Road bike land project at their meeting on July 14, reporting that it is moving forward with GFA Engineering of Traverse City. 

Reynolds reported that the Michigan Department of Transportation has awarded significant grant funds to nearby townships, ranging from $75,000 to $3 million for similar types of projects. Reynolds has asked for a definite cost estimate from GFA, and he will pursue grant opportunities for the township. 

Zoning and planning updates

Trustee Eric Beishlag reported that an expert planner has been brought in to refine and update the existing master plan. He also has secured an attorney to focus on zoning issues. Both will be working with the board. Township Clerk Sandi Whiteford has created a workbook book to organize zoning guidelines, which will be updated regularly.

Zoning Administrator Will Trute reported four zoning requests are in process, and 54 short-term rentals have been approved, with three pending. One food truck permit was approved. 

Two nuisance complaints have been addressed. The Wilson Road property is in the process of being cleaned up, and the Wood Road property will be advised to remove the junk cars and boats. This will be monitored.

New cemetery

The deed was updated in 2025 and has been recorded, so the layout of the new cemetery can proceed. Preliminary staking has been done. Reynolds has been working with Sexton Barb Towne on rules, layout, and other issues, and she suggested that the rules be the same or based on those of Eveline Township Cemetery. Shrubs will be planted on the side next to the neighboring house. A tree will be planted in memory of past Township Supervisor John Vrondran. Water must be available. Lots will accommodate two burials or four cremations, and will cost about $350. A name has not been chosen, and the board is asking for community input. The cemetery will be on the agenda next month as well.

In other business, Clerk Whiteford said the township website needs updating at a cost of about $1,000 to accommodate state-mandated handicap requirements. 

Public comment 

The issue of beach sharing for docks was again discussed at length. There is disagreement on how the issue should be resolved, and on what the setback should be. One resident consulted a lawyer who told her the standard setback did not apply to docks. Trite confirmed that any man-made structure is bound by a 10 feet setback rule, including docks. Other problems resulting from this practice were brought up, to no conclusion. The board has asked its attorney to focus on this issue.

> The next township board meeting is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 11. Here is the township website.

This team of Shaun Frantz, Rande Woodland, and Chris Ross were the 2024 and 2025 Walleye Championship winners.

Top anglers head to Boyne City and Lake Charlevoix for Michigan Walleye Championship

The best walleye anglers in the Midwest are coming to Northern Michigan as the Michigan Walleye Tour brings its 2026 Championship to Lake Charlevoix August 7-8.

More than 150 teams competed throughout the four-event qualifying season, and only the top 40 teams earned the opportunity to compete for the Michigan Walleye Tour Championship and the Team of the Year title.

This marks the first time the Michigan Walleye Tour Championship has been held here, adding another level of excitement as the field tackles unfamiliar water in pursuit of the season's biggest prizes. Anglers will be competing for thousands of dollars in cash over two days of fishing on Lake Charlevoix, which tournament organizers say is “one of Michigan’s most pristine and overlooked inland walleye fisheries.”

The championship field will feature 118 anglers representing five states and Canadian provinces, launching 40 tournament boats each morning in search of the five largest walleyes they can catch. Daily catches will be brought to the official weigh-in where every ounce could determine the 2026 champion.

Returning to defend their title are two-time reigning Michigan Walleye Tour Champions Rande Woodland, Chris Ross and Shaun Frantz. Also looking to continue their run are the back-to-back Team of the Year champions Matt Lafreniere, Kenny Salwa and David Kolb. The winners from three of this season's four qualifying tournaments have also qualified for the championship.

Competition begins each morning with takeoff at approximately 7 a.m. Anglers will employ a variety of walleye fishing techniques throughout the day before returning at 3 p.m. for the daily weigh-in. Tournament launch and weigh-in activities will take place at Veterans Park. After two days of competition, the team with the highest combined weight of 10 walleyes (five fish per day) will be crowned the 2026 Michigan Walleye Tour Champions.

The battle for the 2026 Team of the Year championship remains very close entering the final event. Evan Adler, Shane Loney and Austin Crum currently lead the standings by just two points. Tied for second are the defending Team of the Year champions Matt Lafreniere, Kenny Salwa and David Kolb, along with defending tournament champions Rande Woodland, Chris Ross and Shaun Frantz, setting the stage for one of the closest championship races in recent tournament history.

The public is invited to attend both the morning launches and afternoon weigh-ins, offering a unique opportunity to meet some of the country's top competitive walleye anglers and experience championship tournament fishing first-hand. Anglers can watch a recap of all the tournaments on the Michigan Walleye Tour YouTube channel.

Boyne City gas prices rise 30 cents in past week

Prices for regular unleaded gas rose 30 cents a gallon from $3.99 to $4.29 in the past week at the Marathon station at 470 N. Lake Street in the past week, while diesel went up 20 cents to $4.99. Here are recent prices spot checked by the Boyne Citizen since the Iran war started on Feb. 28:

• March 3 - $3.099
• March 6 - $3.409
• March 12 - $3.669
• March 21 - $3.999
• March 26 - $4.199
• March 27 - $3.999
• April 6 - $3.899
• April 7 - $4.199
• April 13 - $4.159
• April 15 - $4.099
• April 22 - $3.799
• April 24 -$3.999
• April 29 - $4.299
• May 6 - $4.799
• May 13 - $4.999
• May 20 - $4.919
• May 27 - $4.759
• June 3 - $4.459
• June 10 - $4.459
• June 17 - $4.059
• June 18 - $3.999
• June 25 - $4.299
• July 1 - $4.099
• July 8 - $3.999
• July 15 - $3.999
• July 22 - $4.299

> Michigan gas prices (AAA) - $4.198. National average is $4.06.

News Briefs

14-MILE LAKE SWIM - Veteran open water swimmer Kathy Bradshaw of Chattanooga, Tennessee, plans to swim the length of Lake Charlevoix from one end to the other, a total distance of 14 miles on Friday, July 24. Bradshaw will begin swimming in Charlevoix at Round Lake at approximately 7:30 a.m. and finish in Boyne City. She will swim in the opposite direction if weather and water conditions require it. She estimates that she will be in the water for at least eight hours. Bradshaw will be accompanied by a support crew of two kayakers and a motorboat. She is hoping to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association via her fundraiser at https://alzm.org/fquzj.

BOYNE HERITAGE CENTER welcomes Aaron Chandran to its board of directors. He brings a unique blend of high-level strategy, nonprofit fundraising, and a passion for celebrating the city’s rich history to the board. His career in financial leadership spans investment banking at J.P. Morgan, structuring securities at a leading boutique firm, and strategic financial controllership. This financial expertise is backed by an analytical foundation in aerospace engineering at Purdue, where he conducted academic research for the US Navy, Air Force, and FAA, alongside his ongoing affiliation with the think tank, The Chicago Council on Global Affairs. As a passionate advocate for community storytelling, Chandran leverages nonprofit expertise that includes curating TEDx conferences, where he handled everything from speaker selection to major corporate sponsorships. Heritage Center website.

GENEALOGY CELEBRATION - Charlevoix County Genealogical Society invites everyone to join them for their 50th birthday party at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6 at the Boyne District Library lower level Community Room. Honored guest will be Judy Muhn, president of the Michigan Genealogical Council, who has presented the local society with a 50-year certificate honoring the occasion. The event will include birthday cake, punch, genealogy games, and memorabilia from the past 50 years. Call Chris Brown, 231-582-9337 or email cmjbrown@live.com for more information.

DISASTER ASSISTANCE - Were you impacted by the April severe weather and flooding? Homeowners and renters impacted can now apply for FEMA disaster assistance. Temporary housing, home repairs, and other eligible disaster-related expenses may be available. To apply, visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-3362, or download the FEMA app.

NATURE IN THE PARK - Charlevoix Conservation District will hold the last of its Nature in the Park youth environmental education program series with a Nature Scavenger Hunt on July 29 at 10:30 a.m. at Old City Park in Boyne City. All programs are free, and materials are provided but may be limited. These prgrams are geared towards ages 3+. Parents and caregivers are required to stay for the duration of the program. Call 231-582-6193 for more information. Print a flyer for this event.

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

• Bulmann Dock & Lift, 175 Magnet Dr., Boyne City - 10 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. Monday, July 27.
• Boyne Mountain Resort - 1-5 p.m. Tuesday, July 28.
• Walloon Lake Community Church - 1:30-6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13.

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

BOYNE AREA SENIOR CENTER is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and serves daily lunches from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 411 E Division St, Boyne City. For seniors ages 60+, the lunch donation is $3, for ages 59 and under, $10; and for children 12 and under, $8. Here is the July lunch menu, July activity calendar, and July Senior Hi-Lites newsletter.

> Here is the August lunch menu and August activity calendar.

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Regional News

From Bridge Michigan, Interlochen Public Radio and Fox2 Detroit

> FEMA approves $15.8M for Northern Michigan winter storm recovery efforts - Story

> Blissfest attack on Auburn Hills man may have been hate crime, family say - Story

> Line 5's key permits issued: State agencies have issued permits for Enbridge Energy's tunnel project beneath the Straits of Mackinac, saying that public and private needs for the tunnel "outweighed other public interest criteria." Story.

> A local newsroom that isn't: Prism News uses AI to rewrite local reporting in northern Michigan. Critics have worries, from trust to accuracy. Learn more and see some of the AI photos they put with their stories, compared to actual photos of what really happened.

City of Boyne City Municipal News

SAMPLE BALLOT - Click here to see a sample ballot for City of Boyne City voters in the August 4 Michigan Primary Election, which also includes four county-wide propositions. Some townships also have their own ballot propositions; check your township website for details.

WANT TO VOTE ABSENTEE? Voters may call or visit Boyne City Hall to request an absentee ballot for the August 4, Primary Election through 4 p.m. on Monday, August 3.

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

LAKE CHARLEVOIX TEMPERATURE dropped 7 degrees from 79 to 72°F as of Wednesday, July 22 at the Boyne City Marina.

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

> City Commission's next regular meeting is at 12 p.m. Tuesday, July 28. Agenda page.



Obituaries

V. Sam Kosc

October 29, 1941 ~ July 19, 2026 (age 84)

Ryan Lucas

Feb 22, 1980 ~ Jul 19, 2026 (age 46)

David E. Lewis

October 16, 1949 ~ July 7, 2026 (age 76)

Apples.

On September 20, 1886, specimens of a seedling apple, originated by Mitchell La Croix, of Charlevoix County. Michigan, were received from the originator, at the close of the State Fair. The fruit is of medium size, oblate, ribbed, or live angled; yellow, with reddish brown in the sun, in season in Charlevoix County about the middle of October. Flesh very white, breaking, tender, fine-grained, juicy, vinous, sprightly, "very good." The specimens were sent to the State Fair for exhibition as a seedling, but did not reach the hall till after the close of the fair. We regard it as worthy of a trial. 

In 1886 the Michigan State Horticultural Society made the above special mention in their annual publication. The Mitchell LaCroix homestead was located “just up the hill from Advance.” Perhaps some of our readers could direct the author to the farm and better yet, to the remains of the orchard that once grew these fine specimens of apples. 

THROUGH THE HISTORIAN'S LENS

Our Native neighbors, the Mitchell LaCroix story

By Patrick McCleary

Although few may recognize the name today, Mitchell LaCroix (1833-1914) was once a prominent figure in early Northern Michigan history. For more than half a century he was a leader among the earliest pioneer settlers in both Charlevoix and Emmet counties. He was born on February 7, 1833, on Mackinac Island, the son of Louis and Magdeleine (Numinville) LaCroix. 

The Prince Eugene was a two-masted schooner built in Ohio in 1832. The vessel operated as a commercial cargo transporter across the Great Lakes. In November 1834, Prince Eugene was navigating Lake Michigan carrying a valuable cargo - mixed merchandise consisting of fabrics, leather and parlor stoves. During a severe storm, the schooner was driven ashore and wrecked about eight miles north of what is today Portage, Michigan. Among those who were shipwrecked and did not survive was Mitchell LaCroix’s mother. He was later adopted by his aunt and uncle, Francis and Margaret (Numinville) LaCroix. 

Most of his early life was spent around Muskegon, Cross Village, and Petoskey. He married Miss Mary Esther Waltz (1839-1925) and around 1871, settled with his family in Eveline Township, near Advance - about two miles west of the Village of Boyne. This would place him and his family among some of the first homesteaders in the Boyne City area. 

Now by this point in time, William H. Porter, Advance’s first permanent settler, had already erected the area’s first gristmill. Settlers and Native families were coming from miles around to have their grain, corn and buckwheat ground into usable cooking ingredients. With only limited sawmill access available, most settlers were forced to fall back on log cabin building - crude, but efficient, amd not to forget, inexpensive. 

The LaCroix family erected a log cabin on their newly acquired acreage. By 1872, the Advance Settlement had become quite a trading center for our early settlers. There was a store operated by the firm Hayes & Newton; a Karlskin family ran a shoe shop not far from a blacksmith shop; Heller’s operated a lodging house; and there was also a schoolhouse that served as a church on Sundays. The one thing that had not previously been addressed (no pun intended) was mail. How did it get from one locale to another? 

Mitchell LaCroix was the first mail carrier between Petoskey and Traverse City, making the delivery entirely on foot at the onset. In those days, he was not only the “first,” but the “only” mail carrier in this portion of the Little Traverse District. The Native Americans had relied on the frozen lake for generations, providing them with a more expedient means of getting from one community to another. In the winter, once Pine Lake (Lake Charlevoix today) had frozen over, the Indians from Horton Bay, Undine and the various other small settlements on the north shore, would load their one-horse sleighs with grain, their wives and children, and come to Advance to have their grain ground. While waiting for the grinding, the native women (with babies secured to their backs) would set out to either trade or sell their baskets at the stores and homes within the settlement community. 

LaCroix, familiar with the routes involved with this method of travel, made the journey on a regular basis, providing his neighbors and the neighboring businesses with a means of securing correspondence and much needed supplies. Traveling in this way was not without danger, however. In the December 26, 1872, issue of the Grand Traverse Herald (published in Traverse City), the following item appeared:

On Thursday last as Mitchell LaCroix, the mail carrier on the Bear River route, was crossing Intermediate Lake, his horse broke through and was drowned. In his efforts to save his horse, LaCroix got into the lake and afterwards had to walk three miles to a house. A cold job with the mercury near zero! The mail was saved without damage. 

By 1869, Boyne City’s namesake, John Miller, became the first postmaster for Boyne City. He operated it from the living room in his home in Bay Springs, the area that we refer to as North Boyne. “Uncle John” was well-acquainted with Mitchell LaCroix. The mail was brought from Traverse City by way of Central Lake and the South Arm of Lake Charlevoix. 

In later years, a trail was cut from Charlevoix into Boyne. At that time, Hugh Miller, John Miller’s son, would pick up the mail in his “stagecoach” - then deliver it to the local community. After his father resigned from his postmaster duties, Hugh Miller continued serving the community and operated an office within his grocery store. This building was located at the foot of Charlevoix Street in North Boyne. 

In 1886, the Michigan State Horticultural Society made special mention of Mitchell LaCroix’s apple variety, seemingly a variety new to the horticultural market. Cultivated from seedling apples, the question remains, could these trees and perhaps seeds still be located on the former LaCroix homestead? Perhaps some of our readers can shed light on the subject. 

On April 2, 1914, Mitchell LaCroix died a widower at the age of 81. He was found deceased only eight yards from the log cabin home that he had built himself and raised a family of four children in. His funeral service was held from the church at Advance, and his remains were interred in Maple Lawn Cemetery in Boyne City. 

> See our story elsewhere in today's newsletter about Patrick's upcoming history talk at the Charlevoix Public Library on Tuesday, July 28.

> Patrick McCleary is a certified genealogist who has devoted years to the ongoing research and study of Boyne City and Charlevoix County history. In addition to conducting classes on genealogy and family history, he also speaks on a variety of topics. 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 jim@boynecitizen.com.

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

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

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

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

> Summer car and bike concert series begins and continues every Tuesday at 6 p.m.:

• July 28 & Aug. 4 - tba
• Aug. 11 - Timberline
• Aug. 18 - Peril
• Aug. 25 - Yankee Station

BOYNE ARTS CENTER - 211 Water Street, Boyne City, (231) 622-2073.

> Upcoming events, classes and exhibits:

• Plein Art Meet-ups - Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Demo Night with Carol Ross - July 23
• Beginning Drawing Part I | July 29, Aug 5, 19, and 26
• Unveiling Trees: Collage and Contrast | August 3 & 4, 10 am - 4 pm
• Beginning Pastels; A Fun Way to Paint! | Tuesdays, Aug. 18, 25, Sept. 1 and 8
• Beginning Drawing Part 2 | September 2, 9, 23, and 30
• Colorful Figures: Expressive Mixed Media | Sept 10 & 11, 10 am - 4 pm
• Fall Artists Retreat | September 14–18
• Book a Private Art Party

BOYNE CITY FARMERS MARKET - Outdoors at Veterans Park, 207 N. Lake Street, Boyne City, from 8 a.m.-12 noon on Wednesdays and Saturdays. (231) 582-9009.

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

• Saturday, July 25 - Amanda Jane
• Wednesday, July 29 - Terry Coveyou

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

• Mondays - Trivia, 7 p.m.
• Thursdays - Adam and The Cabana Boys, 7-10 p.m.
• Fridays - Josh Raber and Patrick Ryan, 7-10 p.m.
• Saturdays - Adam and The Cabana Boys, 7-10 p.m.

BOYNE DISTRICT LIBRARY - 201 East Main St., Boyne City, 231-582-7861. Newsletter with July events and details.

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

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

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

LIVE MUSIC:

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

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

> LIVE MUSIC:

• Friday, July 24 - Chris Calleja (4-7:30)
• Saturday, July 25 - Two Track Mind (2-6)
• Friday, July 31 - Jelly Roll Blues Band (4-7:30)

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

> LIVE MUSIC:

• Friday, July 24 - Michelle Chenard
• Saturday, July 25 - Michelle Chenard
• Friday, July 31 - Sean Bielby

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

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

EVENINGS AT THE GAZEBO - The Boyne Area Chamber concert series is held from 6:30-8 p.m. on Wednesdays in Old City Park through August 26. In addition to the music will be Maker’s Row featuring local artisans and creators, B.C. Pizza of Boyne on site, beverage trucks, and family-friendly activities each week.

> Here is the entertainment schedule:

• July 29 - Laura Crowe
• August 5 - Melissa and Jake
• August 12 - Hazel James Band
• August 19 - Dags Und Timmah! (rescheduled)
• August 26 - Nick Veine

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

• Saturday, July 25 - Chris Botti, Grammy Award-winning trumpeter and composer. Tickets.
• July 29 - 30 - Bay View Music Festival Presents: Mozart's Don Giovanni. Seduction, suspense, and a fiery finale — Mozart’s masterpiece comes alive. Tickets.
• Friday, July 31 - The War And Treaty. A powerhouse duo delivering soul-stirring vocals, deep-rooted storytelling, and the kind of live performance that lifts you to your feet. Tickets.
• Saturday, August 1 - The Charlevoix Historical Society Presents: The City on Three Lakes Book Launch & Benefit Event, in support of the Museum at Harsha House. Tickets.
• Sunday, August 2 - Traverse City Dance Project Presents: Traverse City Dance Project, 
• A Celebration of Dance and Live Music Outdoors on the Rooftop Terrace. Tickets.
• Tuesday, August 4 - Comedian Mike Goodwin. Where Southern charm meets laugh-out-loud comedy. Tickets.
• September 5 - 13 - Come From Away. The remarkable true story of when the world came together. Tickets.

LAVENDER HILL FARM - 7354 Horton Bay Rd N, Boyne City. 231-582-3784.

> Young Americans Dinner Theater - 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 14. Details.

> Live music concert series held in a renovated multi-use events barn:

• July 24 - Unspoken Tradition
• Aug. 7 - Lavender Goes Pink with Thornetta Davis
• Aug. 15 - West Texas Exiles
• Aug. 22 - Damn Tall Buildings
• Sept. 19 - Sionainn Laoi For The Boyne Heritage Center

> Pre-show Local Ground concerts line-up.

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

> LIVE MUSIC and events:

• Friday, July 24 - Live music with SAXU4IA, 6-9 p.m.
• Friday, July 31 - Live music with The Real Ingredients, 6-9 p.m.

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

• Summer skating - August 8 from 5-9 p.m.

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

> July 16 and the third Thursday of the month - Open Mic & Stand-up hosted by Peter Allen Jensen, 6-9 p.m.

> Live music 6-9pm:

• Friday, July 24 - The Northern Gentlemen 
• Saturday, July 25 - Andy Kline
• Friday, July 31 - The Tweed Tones

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

Live music:

• Tuesdays - Laura Crowe, 6-9 p.m.
• Wednesdays - Pete Kehoe, 6-9 p.m.
• Sunday, July 26 - Nick Visconti, 1-4 p.m.

The Boyne Citizen

Jim Baumann, Editor * About Us

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

Email: jim@boynecitizen.com

Phone: 231-675-8793

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