Join us for The Local Lens with Mayor, Joan Ecclesine and City Manager, Corey Barr
Hosted by our CEO, Jennifer Watson, and The Mill Manistique, The Local Lens is a monthly series of conversations with local leaders and interesting people of all kinds! “The Local Lens” will be an opportunity for any interested attendee to hear from, speak with, and learn more about the cool things that are going on in Schoolcraft County. These events will be held on the 4th Thursday of each month. This month’s guests are Mayor, Joan Ecclesine and City Manager, Corey Barr.
Whether you have questions, ideas, comments, or simply want to chat, please join us for The Local Lens on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 12 PM to 1 PM at The Mill Manistique (216 S Cedar Street in Manistique).
If you’re unable to attend in person, this session will be recorded.
Topic:
Discussing all things Manistique – current projects, community priorities, and what’s ahead for our city!
Date:
Thursday, May 28, 2026 | 12 PM – 1 PM.
Location:
The Mill Manistique (216 S Cedar Street in Manistique).
About Mayor, Joan Ecclesine
Biography
This is my 7th year on the City Council and 1st year serving as Mayor. I began my involvement because I wanted to give back to my community by service to the people of Manistique and am honored that they support me to do so. I am proud to be involved in shaping Manistique’s present and future, keeping the past in mind and delivering open and accountable service.
Manistique is my home town where I was born at SCMH and graduated from MHS. After high school I was away for about 23 years. Attended and graduated with a BS in Medical Technology degree from Barry College in Miami Shores, Fl. Married George my senior year of college. I specialized in Blood Banking and lived and worked in Devon, PA for 6 years and then worked and lived in Davison, MI for 15 years. George and I moved to Manistique in 1992 wanting to get back to life in a small town with our 2 young boys. It has been and continues to be a wonderful place to work, live and raise a family.
Over my working career, I have worked as an Associate Laboratory Director of Blood Banking Services for a Regional Red Cross Center. I have worked as the Health and Disabilities Manager for the local Head Start Program. My experience has given me the opportunity to be successful in leadership and collaboration skills where communication and openness result in win-win situations.
I look forward to working on maintaining and expanding economic growth in our community. We have talents to tap into and entrepreneurs to promote. Manistique has so much to offer with the ‘Yooper Spirit’ of the people and the natural beauty of the area. Let’s continue to Discover Manistique and all it has to offer!
About City Manager, Corey Barr
Biography
My wife, Laurie, and I are both Manistique natives. We have been happily married for 33 years. Together, we raised our three children in this community we proudly call home.
With 37 years of municipal experience, including 9 years in supervisory roles and more than 20 years as a department head, I have led multiple city departments including water, wastewater, zoning, and landfill operations. For the past 3.5 years, I have served as City Manager/Finance Officer for the City of Manistique.
I began my career with the City of Manistique in January 2002 as Head Operator for the Water & Wastewater Department as part of a succession plan to replace the retiring Superintendent. Since 2005, I have served as Department Head for Water, Wastewater, and Landfill operations, and in 2014 I also assumed Zoning Administrator responsibilities. These roles have provided me with direct experience across all City departments and a strong understanding of municipal operations.
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