Committee Members

For general inquiries about the Dog Park Project, see the Contact Information page.

Dale Rieger

Committee Lead

If we want the world to be a better place, we need to act accordingly. A dog park will be good for dogs and people.

Charlie Beckwith

Committee Member

I am a part of this group because I love animals, especially dogs. I have never met a dog I didn’t like at first sight.  As a law enforcement officer for the past 48 years, I have seen way too many bad situations where these poor defenseless animals have been mistreated. If I could have, I would have taken every one of them home to a loving environment. I know this project will make a tremendous amount of our four-legged buddies very happy.

Dick Cartmill

Committee Member

I once owned a Saint Bernard named Taurus. He was purchased while I was in the military. He became a pet at my base and received a rank of Petty Officer 3rd class. He would receive salutes upon return to the gate while I was driving admirals around. He was a great dog indeed.

Mary Darling

Committee Member

As a member of city council, we are assigned as liaison to a commission.  I was assigned to the Parks and Recreation commission.  At one of our meetings, it was brought up that people in the community were asking about Cheboygan having a dog park.  A group of volunteers decided to take up the cause and started working to bring a dog park to Cheboygan. We are working hard and have accomplished a lot and are hoping to finish by fall. I am proud to be one of the volunteers. Mary has dogs Ana, Tillie Lu and Stormy.

Leanna LaCross

Committee Member

Lifelong resident of Cheboygan and owner of Always Faithful Dog Training of Northern Michigan.

Johanna Lund

Committee Member

Raised with dogs, Johanna can’t remember a time when they weren’t part of the family life. A dog park is perfect, especially for those without a lot of space to exercise their companions.

David Martin

Committee Member

I’m a fifth generation Martin. I have a wife, five children, a brother, and biological / in-law parents. I try to volunteer as much as I am able, as there is so much need within our community. One such endeavor is this proposed dog park.

Joel Martinchek

Committee Member

This is our dog Kenzie, she is our office mascot. She comes to work daily with Audrey and I at Berkshire Hathaway. As brokers we have relocated many pet owners to our area. We have always loved animals especially dogs. Our office is pet friendly and we love seeing clients bring in their prized animals. Having a dog park is a great addition to our community. We are excited for another big win for Cheboygan County! Let’s make it happen.

Sherry Nelson

Committee Member

Though not currently a dog owner Sherry has four children and guests who visit with multiple dogs. Sherry has driven as far as 90 miles in a day for dog park entertainment for the furry friends.

George Olson

Committee Member

Ronald Weisberger

Committee Member

I am a retired Emergency Room physician. Both my wife Deb and I are lifelong animal lovers. We have only been without a dog for three months in the past 30 plus years. We love watching dogs play and interact off leash. This project is just as important for the owners as it is their pet. A true social event for all. Above is our current lover, Murphy the full-size goldendoodle.