Ernie Seaman

Ernie Seaman is the heartbeat of township operations. As Maintenance Lead, he supports nearly every part of Drummond Island’s public infrastructure. Whether it needs fixing, hauling, plowing, clearing, setting up, or maintaining, Ernie is the one making it happen.

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He manages township buildings, the fire hall, golf course, airport, ambulance garage, cemetery, parks, and more. He handles water systems, well testing, mechanical repairs, snow removal, event setups, and year-round maintenance. From preparing the Fourth of July parade ambulance to clearing fireworks debris the next morning, Ernie ensures it all runs smoothly.

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Born and raised on the island, Ernie brings unmatched knowledge, humility, and a tireless work ethic to his role. He also runs Drummond Island Firewood Service and, with his wife Wendy, enjoys life surrounded by family, time outdoors, and weekends at their south shore camp.

Ernie doesn’t seek recognition, but his work speaks for itself. The township runs better because of him, and we are grateful for all he does.

Joan Riordan

Joan Riordan manages the Drummond Island Township Museum with a passion deeply rooted in family and island history. A sixth-generation Drummond Islander, Joan grew up just steps from the museum. Her early connection began as a child alongside her grandmother, one of the museum’s founding members.

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Joan is a retired nurse who studied at Lake Superior State University and began her career in Lansing before spending over 30 years in Sault Ste. Marie in hospital and clinical settings. After returning to Drummond Island in 2000, she continued her healthcare work with Chippewa County Home Health before becoming involved with the Historical Society.

She has served on the Drummond Island Historical Society Board for over two decades and now leads the museum’s operations and development. Joan is excited to welcome visitors and share the museum’s newest exhibits, including a detailed model of the Johnswood settlement.

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The museum is open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, 1–5 PM, and free to visit. Donations are always welcome to help preserve and grow this treasured local resource.

Celia Bias

Celia Bias has served as Drummond Island Township’s sexton for over a decade, managing the care and records of the township cemetery with dedication and respect. Her responsibilities include coordinating burials, assisting families with cemetery plots, and preserving important historical records.

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A lifelong Drummond Island resident, Celia brings a strong connection to the community and a deep sense of care to her work. She is known for her attention to detail and her commitment to ensuring the cemetery remains a place of dignity and remembrance.

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Outside of her role, Celia enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and pets. Her son Joe has taken a special interest in the island’s history and often helps her with cemetery tasks.

Celia’s steady leadership and heartfelt service help honor the past while supporting the needs of families today.

Brooke Milbrandt

Brooke Milbrandt brings knowledge, experience, and attention to detail to her role as Township Assessor for Drummond Island. She is responsible for identifying and valuing all taxable properties in the township, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring fair and consistent assessments in accordance with Michigan tax law.

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With a strong background in municipal assessment, Brooke also serves several other northern Michigan communities and brings a deep understanding of the region to her work. Her approachable nature and professionalism make her a valued resource for property owners and township staff alike.

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Brooke holds regular office hours on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM at the Township Hall, and is also available by appointment. She works closely with Assessor Assistant Katie Chipman-Bergsma to support the needs of the community throughout the year.

Craig Hoffman

Craig Hoffman oversees the care and maintenance of the Drummond Island Township Golf Course. With more than 40 years of experience in golf course management, including 20 years as superintendent of Drummond Island Resort’s The Rock Golf Course, Craig brings deep expertise in turf care and course operations.

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He studied Turfgrass Management at Michigan State University and has also served as superintendent at Egypt Valley Country Club and the Links of Gateway near Detroit. A past president of the Northern Michigan Turf Management Association, Craig has also served on the Michigan Groundwater Advisory Council and national committees focused on environmental stewardship and water quality.

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Craig and his wife, Amy, have lived on Drummond Island since the mid-1990s. Amy is the Human Resources Director for Carmeuse in Cedarville and previously worked for Drummond Island Resort. Their daughter lives in Marquette.

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The Drummond Island Township Golf Course is open to the public from early May through late October. Memberships and golf cart storage are available for those who want to make the most of the season.

Steve Gottschling

Steve Gottschling manages the seasonal operations of the Drummond Island Township Golf Course, helping to ensure a welcoming and well-run experience for all visitors.

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From May through October, Steve oversees daily operations including scheduling, staffing, finances, and clubhouse management. He also coordinates league play, community events, and pro shop offerings, which now include new merchandise, expanded snacks and drinks, and premium golf gear. With the addition of Starlink internet and credit card capability, the course is more accessible than ever for golfers and those looking to rent the clubhouse for events.

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Steve helps keep this cherished community course running smoothly through each busy season.

Ron VanSumeren

Ron VanSumeren plays an important role in keeping the Drummond Island Township Golf Course looking its best. Now in his fourth season as a part-time maintenance technician, Ron focuses much of his time on the fairways, ensuring the grounds are in great shape for golfers all season long.

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After retiring from a 34-year career with the Department of Corrections in Jackson, Michigan, Ron moved to Drummond Island five years ago with his wife, Marian, a lifelong island resident and traveling nurse. Together, they enjoy a full family life with eight children and twelve grandchildren.

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When he is not working at the golf course, Ron enjoys golfing himself, taking on yardwork, and staying busy with home improvement projects. His attention to the details that matter helps make the golf course an enjoyable and well-kept destination for residents and visitors alike.

LaRae Dorman

LaRae Dorman has served as Corps Captain of the Drummond Island Ambulance Corps since 2019, offering steady leadership, sound decision-making, and compassion in every emergency. She joined the Corps in 2010 after EMT training, initially committing to three years of service. Fifteen years later, she remains a trusted part of local EMS.

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A lifelong island resident, LaRae stepped into leadership following the retirement of longtime Corps Leader Pam Ellis, who continues to mentor and will celebrate 50 years with the Corps in 2025.

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Outside of EMS, LaRae enjoys working outdoors, caring for animals, and finding peace in the natural beauty of island life.

She supports the upcoming transition of local ambulance services to NEMSA in early 2025. This regional partnership is designed to bring full-time, reliable EMS coverage to rural communities across the Eastern Upper Peninsula, including Drummond Island.

Ben Richwine

Benjamin Richwine has been a dedicated member of Drummond Island Fire & Rescue for 25 years. On March 26, 2022, he stepped into the role of Fire Chief, leading with a steady hand and a team-first mindset. His leadership emphasizes the value of every volunteer and the importance of working together.

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Ben first joined the department because of the camaraderie with friends already serving. Over time, that sense of teamwork grew into a lasting commitment to helping others during emergencies.

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Born and raised on Drummond Island, Ben has deep roots in the community. He finds it hard to name one favorite thing about the island because it has always been home, full of memories, familiar places, and meaningful connections.

Outside of Fire & Rescue, Ben enjoys relaxing at camp, boating on the lake, and spending time with his family.

His advice to the community: Be ready for the unexpected. A simple emergency plan at home or work can make a big difference when it matters most.

Ray Whiteman

Ray Whiteman joined the Township Golf Course team in 2012, managing all daily operations for 12 seasons including memberships, greens fees, cart rentals, and merchandise. In 2024, he became League Manager, running the Tuesday and Wednesday leagues and handling scheduling, handicaps, and scoring.

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Before moving to Drummond Island in 2009, Ray served in the U.S. Army and went on to a successful career in college athletics. Over the years, he held administrative leadership roles at seven universities including the University of Cincinnati, Dartmouth College, and The Citadel. His work included overseeing ticketing, budgets, team travel, facilities, and managing a university-run golf course.

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Ray and his wife Pam, a fiber artist and owner of Miller Lake Studio and Gift Shoppe, enjoy the peaceful pace of island life and are proud to be part of the Drummond Island community.

The Drummond Island Township Golf Course is open to the public seven days a week throughout the season. We offer a driving range, golf cart rentals, memberships, cart storage, and event hosting. To learn more, visit www.drummondislandtownship.org/golfcourse.

Krystal Truax

Krystal (Bosley) Truax was elected Drummond Island Township Supervisor in 2024 and is proud to serve the community she has called home her entire life. A third-generation islander, Krystal graduated from DeTour High School before earning degrees from Lake Superior State University and the University of Denver. Her professional background includes experience in mining, environmental compliance in the oil and gas industry, and leadership in environmental software. She currently serves as Vice President of Product Management for a U.K.-based technology firm.

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Krystal and her husband, Andrew, returned to Drummond Island in 2017 to raise their growing family in the community that shaped her. Together with their three daughters, Rozlyn, Adelaide, and Anna, and their dog Cedar, the Truax family enjoys participating in local events and staying active outdoors. Krystal brings both hometown perspective and global experience to her role and is honored to support the township and its residents.

Amanda Fairchild

Amanda Fairchild was elected Drummond Island Township Clerk in 2024 and brings more than 20 years of local experience to the role. Originally from Pickford, Michigan, Amanda made Drummond Island her home in 2000. She and her husband Michael, known to many as "Seed," are raising their family here, including sons Michael and Augustus, both graduates of DeTour Area Schools.

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Amanda is well known for her community involvement. She organizes the annual Easter Egg Hunt for the Drummond Island Tourism Association, serves on the board for the local sports boosters, and supports the Sportsman’s Club. She also volunteers her time calling numbers at Baked Goods Bingo, helping raise funds for local causes.

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In addition to her township responsibilities, Amanda works at Drummond Island Yacht Haven and The Northwood. She balances her professional roles with a strong commitment to township service and is always happy to connect with residents.

Justin Bailey

Justin Bailey was elected Drummond Island Township Trustee in 2024 and brings a lifelong connection to the island along with professional experience in engineering and energy. A fifth-generation Bailey and fourth-generation Laakso, Justin spent his early years on Drummond before moving to Houghton Lake, always returning in the summers to visit his grandparents. In 2010, he made the island his permanent home, settling into the house once owned by his great-grandparents.

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Justin holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University. He began his career in the paper industry and has worked for more than 15 years as a consultant and Petroleum Engineer in the oil and gas sector. He currently works remotely for Consumers Energy. His schedule allows him to stay active in the Drummond Island community he cares deeply about.

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Justin lives on the island with his son Logan, his partner Beth, and their two dogs, McGee and Luna. In his free time, he enjoys snowmobiling, boating the North Channel, Jeeping, and maintaining trails. He looks forward to helping guide township decisions with a focus on both progress and preservation.

Kevin Kruzel

Kevin Kruzel is currently serving his second term as a Drummond Island Township Trustee and is the only returning member of the current township board. Kevin brings valuable experience and a strong commitment to the island community, shaped by both his professional background and his family’s deep roots on Drummond Island.

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Originally from Cross Village, Kevin graduated from Michigan State University in 1985 and went on to a long career in restaurant and beverage management. He and his wife Jennifer, a recently retired registered nurse, owned and operated Moose Jaw Junction in Larks Lake for 20 years before moving full-time to Drummond Island in 2019. Today, they run Camp Osprey Stone Works, a small business specializing in pudding stone gifts.

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Kevin is active in island life and serves on several township committees, including the Golf Course Committee, Township Hall Committee, Recreation Plan Steering Committee, and Bike Path Committee. He enjoys hunting, fishing, genealogy, and rock hunting and cutting. His family history on the island dates back to 1818, and he is proud to continue that legacy through community service.

Jeanette Alguire

Jeanette Alguire was elected Drummond Island Township Treasurer in 2024 and brings strong financial expertise and a deep commitment to the community. Her professional background includes years of experience as a Senior Vice President, where she managed budgets and oversaw financial operations for a successful company. Her knowledge of fiscal management and attention to detail make her well-suited for the role of Treasurer.

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Jeanette and her husband became full-time residents of Drummond Island after inheriting his father’s home. They had visited the island for years and always felt a strong connection to its quiet beauty and close-knit community. Together, they now own and operate Drummond Island Outfitters, formerly known as Johnson’s Sports Shop, a local business that continues to serve residents and visitors alike.

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In addition to her township responsibilities and business involvement, Jeanette enjoys spending time with family and friends. She looks forward to contributing to the community and supporting the township’s future while honoring the values that make island life so special.

More to come

More of our team members will be shared soon!