State Rep. Karl Bohnak’s official appearances in Alger County last Friday sparked meaningful community engagement, logistical reshuffling and pointed public questioning as residents turned out in unexpected numbers to make their voices heard.
Bohnak’s day began with a tour of Munising Public Schools, where he visited both William G. Mather Elementary and Munising Middle/High School.
Bohnak (R-Deerton) was greeted by music from the school jazz band, directed by Michelle Gaunt, and met with educators and administrators to discuss district priorities. Over lunch, he spoke with district leaders about issues facing rural schools, including staffing shortages, funding limitations and aging infrastructure.
“These visits are crucial for helping our lawmakers understand the real challenges we face in rural education,” Munising Public Schools Superintendent Mike Travis said. “We’re doing everything we can to support our students and staff, but the strain on small districts is very real. Funding, teacher recruitment and building maintenance all require more attention at the state level.”
Bohnak also participated in a reading session with elementary students. At Mather Elementary, Jamie Johnson’s second-grade class was recognized for reading 680 books, earning first place in the school-wide reading challenge. Students sat as Bohnak read aloud, taking time to answer questions from curious listeners.
“Rep. Bohnak has repeatedly stated that he’s not just a Republican or Democrat, but a champion for the Upper Peninsula,” Travis said. “We desperately need him to be a champion for Munising Public Schools. The future of our school district and community are dependent upon the bipartisan leadership and support of key lawmakers including Rep. Bohnak and Lt. Gov. [Garlin] Gilchrist.”
The most visible part of the day came during Bohnak’s scheduled “office hour” at the Munising School Public Library.
Originally planned for a small meeting room, the event had to be moved to the Munising Middle/ High School cafeteria after more than 75 people arrived — far exceeding expectations. The shift was necessary due to capacity limits and ultimately enabled the event to proceed as a large-scale public forum.
Many attendees arrived with serious concerns about state and federal issues affecting the region. Some raised questions about the future of rural public education, affordable housing and aging infrastructure.
Others pressed Bohnak — a former television meteorologist — on environmental concerns, including cuts to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the renewed threat of sea lampreys in Lake Superior.
Rebecca Hicks, a library assistant from Schoolcraft County, said she came with questions about weather forecasting services and the future of public libraries in rural communities.
“I wanted to know if Karl, being a weatherman, thought we would eventually be relying on the private sector for weather data — and if that would even be accessible in our area without reliable internet,” Hicks said. “He kept saying these were federal issues. But the problem is, when the federal government cuts something, we’re told, ‘The states will take care of it.’ It doesn’t seem like Karl is ready.”
Hicks also noted that Bohnak appeared unaware of recent cuts to the Fish and Wildlife Service and the dismissal of 14 employees involved in sea lamprey control programs.
“I think we are in big trouble,” she said.
Munising resident Lee Paquette described the event as “very civil” and noted that Bohnak said he wasn’t aware of several executive orders signed during the Trump administration — a statement that raised eyebrows among constituents expecting more policy fluency from their representative.
Despite the pointed questions, many attendees remained civil and engaged. Comments on social media following the event reflected a divided but active electorate — some praising Bohnak’s willingness to appear in person, others criticizing what they saw as a lack of preparation on critical issues.
