(February 09, 2012) 
Harper Daigh a work in pin art
By - Sarah Ward, Staff Writer
(February 09, 2012) 
Some kids don’t like their photos taken, some really do not mind at all. For Lakeland Elementary second grade student Harper Daigh, having his photo taken is just something he has been used to since birth. The exhibit “Eric Daigh: Happiness is a Target” features several of, quite frankly, some of the most unbelievable pieces of art one’s eyes will ever see. Harper’s dad and local artist/portraitist, Eric Daigh, has snapped hundreds of photos and then transformed the photographs into the most unique form of art: pin art. Using good old-fashioned pushpins in only five colors (red, yellow, white, black and blue) the photo (in stencil-form) becomes an insanely cool mosaic. While looking at these pieces, your brain tells your eyes to put the colors all together to see the photograph, including the visual of mixing them up so you see colors that are not there.
During a reception for the exhibit, Harper was pleasantly surprised to see so many large renditions of himself as he had no idea his dad had stenciled his face over a huge wall space at the Dennos Museum. “I was really surprised because my dad did not tell me he was going to do that,” said Harper. “I think his artwork is really cool and I like to help him put the pins in. I would love for him to do a picture of my best friend Max sometime,” he added.
VILLAGE OF ELK RAPIDS Security cameras a last minute addition to this year’s budget
By - Benjamin Holsinger, Contributing Writer (February 09, 2012)
Monday’s regular scheduled Village Council meeting found Village Manager Robert Peterson presenting the Village budget for the 2012-2013 fiscal year. Peterson began the presentation reminding those present that during the course of the year the council may amend the budget as needed. Furthermore, the Village Manager has the capability to alter the budget in any particular venture as long as it does not affect the total amount for any given section, such as the total expenditure for the General Fund.
For the 2012-2013 fiscal year it was projected that for total revenue the Village of Elk Rapids will bring in a subtotal of $783,775 in property and personal taxes. This added to state funding and other sources of revenue for the Village, bringing the total to $1,036,750. With last year’s cash balance figured in, the grand total of revenue for that year was projected at $1,327,750. It is evident that this total amount is far lower than the Village would have hoped for as state revenue has been dramatically decreasing yearly (suggested losses of over $306,000 in these decreases since 2003), taxable value also having slowly decreased since 2009, and the Council’s determined goal of lowering the millage every year. Village trustee, Bob Orschel described the sentiment, saying, “We’re extremely worried about fund balances. We need to get something back in these funds.”
As for projected expenditures for the 2012-2013 years, Peterson had the General Fund expenditures set at $1,092,007. This leaves $235,743 as surplus for the year, only a mere $7557 projected savings from this year. Some of the major highlights of this year’s budget included paying off the debt owed to the harbor for construction of the Government Center, the installation of lights at the basketball court, and the election year expenditure. The Sanitary Sewer System budget was one fund that was specifically projected to change dramatically through this year as improvements are pursued at the Water Treatment Plant.
Changes to these projections were then made during the approval of the budget, following Peterson’s presentation. As Peterson presented the budget, it was projected that the Village would be capable with again lowering the millage for the Village to 11.85, down .10 from 2011-2012 year’s 11.95. Village trustee, Jim Janisse, proposed adding security cameras to the boardwalk under the US 31 bridge and along the path in Veterans Memorial Park to this year’s budget. In addition, Janisse moved that the Village increase the millage to pay for the expenditure of this project. Chuck Schuler, trustee, said, “I don’t think we need to increase the millage just to spend more. We should be thinking ‘smaller government’. We leave it were it is and that’s what we get. In this day and age, people need a break, and this is giving them that break.” Village President, Dan Reszka, was in agreement, saying, “This is a difficult time for tax- payers. I’m not willing to increase the millage.”
Still, in compromise, it was proposed that the Village not lower the millage but maintain the 2012-2013 fiscal year at 11.95, and that the .10 difference would be used to pay for the security cameras, as Janisse suggested. Larry Ball, trustee, explained, “We’ve decreased the millage regularly every year. As a taxpayer, I’m okay with leaving it the same this year, knowing we need that extra in the funds.” The budget was then approved unanimously with that change.
The next regular scheduled Village Council meeting will be held Tuesday, February 21st at 7:00 p.m. and will follow the public forum on 215 Dexter Street property uses at 6:00 p.m. The public forum will, as earlier reported, only hold discussion on whether the property should be public, private, or a combination of both. No specific plans will be entertained.
MILTON TOWNSHIP: Milton Township fire report
(February 09, 2012)
For the year 2011, the Milton Township Fire Department responded to a total of 104 calls for service down one call from 2010 in which the department responded to 105 calls for service.
Of those calls, 66 of them occurred in the north portion of the township and 28 occurred in the southern end of the township. We provided mutual aid 10 times to neighboring communities. Twenty-eight calls occurred during 6 a.m. to 12 noon, 30 calls occurred from 12 noon to 6 p.m., 24 calls from 6 p.m. to 12 midnight, and 22 calls from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. The departments busiest month was July with 19 calls. Mondays were the busiest day of the week totaling 21 calls for service.
The rest of the call breakdown is as follows: one structure fire, one vehicle fire, one electrical fire, three grass/brush fires, eight fire alarms, three carbon monoxide alarms, one control burn, two burning complaints, one gas/smoke odor investigation, thirteen vehicle accidents, two water/ice rescue incidents, one EMS assist, 31 landing zones, 15 trees down, 10 lines down, one general assist.
The department held its first ISO test in many years and we are awaiting the results from the tests. We should see results sometime before May.
The department also purchased its first rescue vehicle. We will soon be providing extrication service to Milton Township as well as surrounding communities when needed. This is the first time in the department’s 37 year history that we will be providing this service.
Currently our roster consists of 20 members. Officers of the department are as follows: Deputy Chief Jeremy Ball, Captain Dan Butler, Lieutenant Paul Fabiano, Lieutenant Adam Grammer, Safety Officer Dan Doherty, Secretary/Treasurer Jim Stilson.
Milton Township Fire Department continues to look for interested citizens in joining a very fine organization rich in progressing into a great fire department. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a member please contact the department at 264-6694 or miltontwpfd@gmail.com Jeremy Ball, Deputy Fire Chief
ELK RAPIDS PUBLIC SCHOOLS: School Board Update
(February 09, 2012)
At the Elk Rapids Board of Education regular meeting on Monday night, Superintendent Stephen Prissel recognized the principals in the school district as part of Michigan School Principal’s Month. “I have the honor and joy to work with these principals,” stated Prissel. “They are very efficient and I am appreciative and very lucky to have them as part of the district. Thank you.” Each principal, Mike Travis, Jim Standerfer, Terry Starr and Bryan McKenna, was honored individually by one (or more) of their own staff members during the evening.
In personnel, the school board approved the following Cherryland Middle School girls basketball coaches; David Hintz – 8th grade, John Gregorski – 7th grade and Kathy Martel – 7th/8th grade combined. They also approved the following high school varsity coaches for 2012 spring sports; boy’s baseball – Ryan Hairston, girl’s softball – Erin Merchant, volunteer – Jan Tulk, girl’s tennis – Kristin Hall, girl’s soccer – Andrea Krakow, track – Luke Johnson, volunteers – Thom Yokum, Kevin Westrick, boy’s golf – Larry Lavely, volunteer – Shane Hollandsworth. The board also approved custodian Larry Gladstone’s resignation for the purpose of retirement effective January 31, 2012.
Under action items, the board approved a Letter of Understanding dated January 31, 2012 for the purpose of recognizing a pro-rated insurance cash-in lieu adjustment-only, (ceases to continue as of August 31, 2012), as presented, be entered into between the Elk Rapids Board of Education and the Elk Rapids Schools District Transportation Association. The board also approved a Service Consolidation Plan Agreement between the Michigan Department of Education and the Elk Rapids schools. The intent of the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Guidance for Service Consolidation Plans (SCP) is to encourage districts to reduce school operating costs by considering the consolidation of services.
The school board also addressed the upcoming We Are “ER” Dinner Auction to be held on May 19th. Besides a final bond payment of $31,000, the board wants to prioritize any additional funds that may be raised at the annual event. Last year, funds were utilized for bond repayment, CMS IB program and elementary foreign language. After discussing several options, the board requested that a list of staff and building requests be submitted at their next meeting for further review.
Before the meeting was adjourned, Superintendent Prissel announced that the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians had allocated $3000 for middle school and high school athletic transportation. The recently held Super Souper Bowl Indoor Tailgate Party, benefiting the ER schools art program and CMS IB initiative, raised $1800. The next Elk Rapids school board meeting will be a workshop session to be held on February 21 at 6 p.m. at the Elk Rapids High School, room 124. Babe Toteff, Staff Writer
(February 09, 2012) 
YOUR LETTERS: Give Short’s a chance
(February 09, 2012)
Dear Editor,
The property at 215 Dexter St. (formerly the Bech’s Mustard plant) has been commercial for well over 100 years. For all this time the various businesses have provided a tax base and jobs for Elk Rapids.
Tearing the buildings down would be a horrible mistake when a locally based company has proposed a complete redevelopment of both buildings and the entire site. Village taxpayers should be excited to support the Short’s Brewing Company’s substantial proposal to transform the site into a brew pub and banquet hall. The plan also calls for green space and public bathrooms to accommodate the new boat slips. Conceptual drawings should be printed in this newspaper so the entire community can be informed.
No other company or individual has made a proposal of any substance.
The Short’s project would bring year around business and jobs to downtown Elk Rapids at a time when we have a few vacant storefronts and need a boost. Other downtown businesses would benefit from the project. Short’s has already invested several million dollars in redeveloping a vacant factory in our industrial park. The owner and several employees have moved to the village and their proposal would mean more young families moving to the village. The company is growing so quickly they will be increasing their capacity and adding jobs this spring at their production plant.
Our village government and DDA should welcome a locally-based company like Short’s Brewing to make a public presentation of their plans and ideas to grow their business right here inside the village limits. Interested residents and people should attend a Village Council meeting to discuss the fate of the project on Tuesday, February 21 at 7 p.m. at the Government Center. Please let’s give Short’s a chance.
Greg Reisig, Elk Rapids
YOUR LETTERS: Remove ugly eyesore
(February 09, 2012)
Dear Editor,
As someone who enjoys the beauty of Elk Rapids, I must express my dismay at the sight of the burned out Riverwalk Grill. The fire was at the end of October so why is it taking the owners so long to demolish the building? I remember that it took them an extremely long time to remodel the building before it opened several years ago. Is it going to be the same case again? Surely, the fire investigation has been completed and the insurance company has been notified. If I’m wrong, I apologize, but it seems like something could be done to clear up this ugly eyesore.
Marilyn Cobb, Kewadin
YOUR LETTERS: The Unity of Community
(February 09, 2012)
Dear Editor,
Many thanks to all who joined together to support the Elk Rapids schools by participating in the Souper Bowl event held last Friday at the Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall. Area restaurants, parents, students, teachers, community members and families all turned out to ensure that the evening was a super success. While the majority of the proceeds went to benefit the IB initiative (in its third year) at the middle school, the K-12 art department, through the sales of student made bowls, benefited as well. As our district continues to move forward in preparing our students for the future; whether exploring IB at the elementary level, expanding the use of technology, or enhancing opportunity›s for learners of all ages, it is reassuring to know that our schools have the trust and support of the community. Thank you, Elk Rapids.
Sarah Pierson, Elk Rapids Schools
Thrill vs. calm
By - Rob Ford (February 09, 2012) 
I was watching the television news magazine, 60 Minutes a few weeks ago when they broadcast a piece about a young man that was considered to be the world’s best rock climber.
Apparently, some 27 year-old guy named Alex Honnold is the go-to guy in “free-solo rock climbing” (no ropes, no tools, no nets). If you’ve got a steep cliff, a canyon wall or a 2000 foot tall rock that nobody else can or wants to climb, I guess this guy (that lives out of the back of his van) is the one to call if you want to see it climbed.
The story was quite interesting, but the tidbit that I came away from the whole rock climbing thing was that Mr. Honnold didn’t consider himself to be a “thrill seeker.” He spends his life either climbing up the faces of the world’s steepest, sharpest, highest cliffs, but he doesn’t do it for “the thrill.” In fact, he surmised that his best moments, the moments he really savored, were moments of intensity that required him to find “calm.”
The rest of us, if we found ourselves half way up the 2000 foot face of some unclimbed rock and holding on by nothing more than a fingertip or the tread of a shoe, would be anything but calm. But that was exactly what this guy found out there.
Putting myself in his place, I can imagine that a little calmness would come in handy. It might be hard to find…but it would definitely come in handy.
The thrill, when it came, came after he had safely reached the top of the rock.
Honnold’s thrill had something to do with satisfaction and all the work being worth the effort.
Yes, the thrill and satisfaction of actually getting one’s money’s worth.
That’s where I am today.
How many times do you plunk down good money or spend a bunch of time working on something when it all turns out to be a waste. You didn’t get your money’s worth and it wasn’t worth the effort. Satisfaction was the last word that might have come out of your mouth.
Sometimes it seems all I get during the day are offers that are too good to be true or somethin’ for nuthin’ kinds of things. I’m sure you have these days as well.
It might come by telemarketer, it might come by email, it might be the steady stream that passes for TV advertising or it might just walk in the door. When you’re lucky, you know it when you see it and no time gets wasted. When it happens and you do waste time on it, you get anything but satisfaction or a thrill.
Which is what makes getting that piece of clothing off of the bargain rack at Gil-Roy’s or off of some table at Goodwill such a rush. You picked it out as something that even if you just wore it once, it was worth the buck or two you paid for it. When it becomes a regular part of your wardrobe, and every time you pull it out, you internally shake your head and remember the day you bought it, then it becomes a thrill.
To some, you only got what you paid for. To many, it’s a whole lot more than that. Getting your money’s worth can bring certain exhilaration, and you know what I mean.
Like the 27 year-old mountain climber, everybody assumes that we’re all out there on the jagged edge, halfway between the bottom and the top, hanging on by our fingertips because we’ve got nothing better to do than look for the thrill. So many people assume that what my life needs is a little more excitement added to it.
No.
What most of us are looking for as we move from one cliffhanger to another is nothing more than our money’s worth. In other words, we aren’t looking for the thrill; we’re looking for the calm.
Celebrating high school with Project Graduation
By - Ellen Kossek (February 09, 2012)
What are your memories of high school? Do you look back fondly to that time in your life? Or are you glad those days are now far behind you?
How did others see you? Were you the “popular kid” with the “in” crowd, class clown, computer nerd, star athlete, serious student, or none of the above? Most readers hopefully have warm recollections that get beyond stereotypes when thinking back on their senior year and graduation.
Elk Rapids High School is fortunate enough to have Project Graduation, an annual-post graduation celebration that helps break down social cliques and provides a positive closure to the high school experience. Project Graduation is an all-night party for graduating seniors. The purpose is to provide a safe, drug and alcohol free, fun, memorable, event-filled all-night farewell party following the graduation ceremony. Designed for the entire graduating class, students share meals and participate in group activities from about 6 p.m. until 6 a.m.
Everyone is a winner in spirit and reality as all students typically receive at least one prize and souvenirs to commemorate the evening. They board a school bus while their cell phones and other distractions are taken away for the next 12 hours as the festivities begin. The seniors travel around northern Michigan spending a last night as a class moving to different planned group activities. The actual events of Project Graduation are top secret until the night is over. Past years activities have included a dinner with entertainment at Siren Hall, a visit to White Birch Lodge, and watching the sunrise while having breakfast at the top of the Park Place Hotel.
Organized by the parents of the graduating class, Project Graduation not only brings graduating seniors together but connects parents who may also need to demarcate a finale to their child’s high school experience. The meetings to organize the event are usually held every two weeks on a mid-week evening. Having recently attended some of these meetings, I have talked to people that I have never had the opportunity to meet during the entire time my children have been in Elk Rapids. I have also enjoyed reconnecting with old acquaintances by attending and volunteering at these meetings.
Many committees to cover fundraising, advertising, check in and check out, and activities for each event have been formed. To support fundraising, a spaghetti dinner is planned for February 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Elk Rapids High School. In April, an adult Euchre tournament is planned that will tentatively be held at the AMVETS.
The efforts to plan this capstone are important and seem to have had a positive commemorative effect that may last a lifetime. As Zach Petoskey, class of ‘11, wrote to one of his former teachers, Mrs. Val Impellizzeri, “Project Graduation was something I will never forget. Our class had a blast being together one last time! It also was nice to win some things to take to college like the gift card I won from Best Buy that was used toward the purchase of my laptop!”
Sydney Vandeveer, class of ‘10, echoed similar sentiments, “It was cool to come together for the night. Different groups spent one final night together before everyone went in different directions. For many, it was the last time they would see some classmates.”
Wouldn’t it be great if all of us had such similar memories of our final high school experiences? To find out how to get involved and join a committee to support ERHS seniors, strengthen ties with other members of the community, or to make a donation, contact fundraising co-chairs: Earl Morrison morrnorth3@aol.com, or Joy Marolf, jmjoymar@alo.com. The donations underwrite the event and will also be used to provide scholarships to students who might not be able to afford the co-pay for the event. Getting involved will benefit not only Elk Rapids students and strengthen our community, but will also be personally rewarding.
Beautiful day for a carnival!
(February 09, 2012) 
The weather was perfect, the food delicious, and the activities plenty at the Rapid City Elementary School annual Winter Carnival last Saturday. Overall, it was a beautiful day that was enjoyed by all.
The kids enjoyed digging for frozen ice cubes, containing coins and prizes, in the Cold Cash Hill. Photo by Anya Stoldt
Elk Rapids Lions Club supports W.O.W. Clubs
(February 09, 2012)
It is no secret that the Elk Rapids Lions Club is passionate about community support. Recently, with the establishment of the Worlds of Wonder (W.O.W.) Clubs formation, which will provide a plethora of opportunities for Cherryland Middle School students and community members, the Lions Club knew they wanted to help. In addition to supporting the club by members volunteering, the club has financially supported the efforts by donating $2300.00 to the clubs. “We were really were impressed with the quality of work the clubs produced,” Wes Knecht said. If you would like to assist in supporting the W.O.W. clubs contact Sarah Pierson at Cherryland Middle School 231-264-8991.
Little Miss Elk Rapidss names title winners
(February 09, 2012) 
This year’s Little Miss Elk Rapids titles were awarded to Little Miss – Ashlyn Hoch, Young Miss – McKenna Bak, Pre-Teen – Rachel Peterson, and Teen – Olivia Lein. Clare Klein was named Queen of Sales for the highest ticket sales.
The pageant, which was held on February 4th, entertained a full house with an exciting show by the contestants. The committee is very thankful for the generous support of the community, especially all the volunteers and local business that support the event with the donation of goods or services. The program would not be what it is without their continued support.
There will be no rest for the committee as the Miss Elk Rapids Pageant is just around the corner. Applications are available at the high school or by contacting Sara McGuire at 231-645-9676.
Little Miss Elk Rapids title winners: Young Miss McKenna Bak, Pre-Teen Rachel Peterson, Teen Olivia Lein, Little Miss Ashlyn Hoch Photo by Diane Drogowski
Soup-er Bowl a success!
(February 09, 2012) 
The inaugural Super Souper Bowl Indoor Tailgate Party was held last Friday at the Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall with over 100 people attending and the proceeds from the ticket sales benefiting the middle school IB initiative. The event featured soups, beverage and desserts from The Evergreen Market, Hacienda, Harbor Café, LochenHeath, Pearl’s, Siren Hall, TJ Charlie’s, and Short’s Brewery, as well as Elk Rapids Schools Roberto Corona, Life Skills Class and parents. Attendees enjoyed music provided by Elk Rapids Zero Hour Jazz Lab Band. A silent auction was also held featuring students handcrafted bowls with the proceeds benefiting the Elk Rapids Schools Art program. “While the intention was to raise money for the IB initiative at Cherryland Middle school (over $2,000 was raised), the Soup-er Bowl brought together the school district, area businesses, community members and families in a united effort to support the children and programs of Elk Rapids schools,” reported Sarah Pierson.
Kay Clark, owner of Harbor Café, serves Jim Dixon one of her tasty soups.
Photo by KLW
Write beside us! Local coffee shop features community writing project
(February 09, 2012) 
Middle and high school students from Elk Rapids schools have something to say on a variety of subjects. Recently, students participated in a multi-class writing project, and now they would like to hear from you. Students in Ms. Fairey’s 7th and 8th grade English classes at Cherryland Middle School started the project, developing 30 writing interest journals, and writing in them over the course of three to four weeks. The journals, which feature topics as diverse as “Hair” and “Friendship” to “What I’ve learned” and “What makes me feel safe” were available to students in several classes, who took advantage of the opportunity to write their ideas, sometimes anonymously. The entries range from silly to surprisingly profound. The rules for participation were agreed upon by the students, who pasted the rules in each journal.
The collection of notebooks then moved to Elk Rapids High School. Teacher Terri Reisig encouraged her AP students, freshman and seniors, to respond, and put in their own “two cents.” Now the journals are on display at local coffee spot, Java Jones. The idea is for community members to take part in the project, and write down their own thoughts. Have something to say? Stop in at Java Jones (131 River St.) and jot it down. Writers can be as brief or wordy as they like. In March, the journals will be collected and returned to the middle school students, who look forward to reading all the entries. Submitted by Leigh Fairey
Logan Knust, 8th grader, intent on doing his part for the community writing project.
Spicy Anti-oxidants
(February 09, 2012)
We have all heard the benefits of anti-oxidants. Here in northern Michigan, we are especially aware of the high levels of anti-oxidants in cherries, the super fruit. And I think we have all heard that it is important to eat a well balanced diet that has lots of fruits and vegetables, but I think we have forgotten about the powerful anti-oxidants in spices.
Just visit an Indian restaurant that displays alluring, aromatic spices. Or travel to a foreign country where they sell heaps of these spices in the marketplace. They not only know that these spices are good for you, they make food taste better. In a lot of places only the rich people can afford them. But here in the States, the key is to learn to use them.
There is an art to the combinations of flavors and how these spices benefit your body. Perhaps you have heard of how herbs can assist your own body’s natural ability to be healthy. Spices are similar to herbs and sometimes the words are used interchangeably. However, according to the Iowa State University Horticulture and Home Pest News, herbs are obtained from the leaves and spices are obtained from roots, flowers, fruits, seeds or bark. And some plants are both herbs and spices. They are both natural and can be medicinal, although herbs are better known for their medicinal value.
Ginger is a common spice people are familiar with, but turmeric is a little less talked about. Turmeric is found in curry and has some of the highest anti-oxidant levels. Who says that eating healthy doesn’t taste as good? The fresher the spices, the tastier they are and the more anti-oxidants they have. So if they have been sitting in the cupboard for a few years, it’s time to get some new ones.
Here is a recipe with ginger and turmeric in it that seems to be popular in my household. Sauté one large onion, 2 garlic cloves in 1/3 cup olive oil (or safflower oil). Add 1 tsp. of ground ginger, 1 tsp. of ground cumin, 1 tsp. of ground turmeric and ½ tsp. of ground cinnamon. Add one cubed sweet potato, one cubed eggplant, one sliced zucchini, in that order (you can add other vegetables if you want). Add a half cup of water or tomato juice. Add 1/3 cup of raisins/dried cherries/or currants. You can also add one can of garbanzo beans. Cover and let it cook for at least 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender, mixing occasionally.
Spice up your life and be healthier! Judith Wonacott, bodywise
Antibiotics may not be good for that sneeze!
(February 09, 2012)
Here we go again. Sniffles, sneezes, and a scratchy throat – you’re sick! And at the worst possible time because school is starting/ work is busy/ vacation is next week. Want to slip into your local health provider for some antibiotics? It is less likely that you will walk away with that prescription slip because we are discovering that antibiotic overuse is quite harmful on many levels.
When penicillin was discovered in the 1920s it was truly a miracle drug. World War I was the catalyst for the U.S. to begin producing mass quantities of penicillin, and undoubtedly it has saved countless lives since that time. It must have been an amazing time to be a physician during the discovery of penicillin, to be able to cure diseases that had theretofore caused so many deaths. Since penicillin’s discovery, countless other antibiotics have been discovered and put into use and in many cases, misuse.
The main concern about antibiotic misuse is the development of drug resistant bacteria. When antibiotics are used too frequently, the bacteria that they kill develop strategies to survive encounters with common antibiotics. This results in bugs that require stronger antibiotics in order to be destroyed (drug resistant bacteria, such as MRSA), and stronger antibiotics result in more side effects. The more frequently we have to use these “reserve” antibiotics the more quickly bacteria will develop resistance to them as well, further limiting options for infection treatment.
In addition, antibiotics are used in the livestock industry because they result in a faster weight gain in animals, and prevent diseases in animals that develop illness related to poor living conditions. We ingest these antibiotics over breakfast, lunch and dinner, further contributing to the problem of resistance.
So how do you know if you need an antibiotic? Most upper respiratory infections (colds and respiratory flu) are caused by viral illnesses, which are not improved with an antibiotic. These illnesses are characterized by coughs, nasal congestion and clear or colored nasal discharge, mild sore throat and low grade fevers; you may also have body aches, sinus pressure and ear pain. A sudden increase in pain, fevers or symptoms that persist beyond ten days are more indicative of bacterial infections that may be helped by an antibiotic. Drinking plenty of fluids, washing your hands and resting will help you feel and get better. Expect your symptoms to be at their worst about five days after onset, and then gradually improve.
Persons with severe sore throat, fever greater than 102 or a sudden worsening of symptoms, illness in infants younger than six months or elderly persons should all be checked by their healthcare provider. People at high risk of complications from respiratory illness such as those with asthma or COPD, or those with a poor immune system should be evaluated as well.
It is important that you don’t try to talk your healthcare provider into prescribing an antibiotic if they don’t think you need one. It will not help you in the short term, and it may cause problems in the long term for yourself and others. Submitted by Danielle Koch, Nurse Practitioner, Elk Rapids Primary Care
Go Global Expo
(February 09, 2012) 
The first annual Go Global Expo will be held Sunday, February 12 from 1 - 4:00 p.m. at Hagerty Center in Traverse City. Go Global is a free event for families of all ages with displays highlighting international opportunities. Aspect and American Councils exchange students from Elk Rapids will be present. Besides high school exchange programs there will be clubs, school programs, global studies and international volunteer opportunities. Elk Rapids exchange students in photo are - Kibili Diakite from Mali (second from left in front row), Kine Ramm from Norway (second from right in second row), Max Suliga from Germany (far right in back row). Kibili is an American Councils student, Max and Kine are Aspect Foundation students. – Photo and text submitted by Pam Woolcott
Woman of the Year presented by Elk Rapids Women
(February 09, 2012) 
At last week’s meeting of the Elk Rapids Women (ERW), Tamera Valenzuela was named Woman of the Year. Tamera is currently Vice President of the group, and has been an active member for several years. The group has gone through a major transition in the last year. Tamy was instrumental in making sure that the group’s new identity would be inclusive so all women would feel welcomed. Tamy also served on the Window Night Award and Christmas Family committees, volunteered for Evenings on River Street, and made arrangements for food for the ERW meetings all year.
Tamy is an active member of the Elk Rapids Lions Club, serving as Chair of the Peace Poster Contest, participated in the annual Community Dinner and Santa activities, and managed the Lions Club Food Trailer for the Harbor Days Festival. She has a Safe Serve certification and has completed the Leadership Training Program of the District 11 E-2 Lions.
During this past year, Tamy served on the Harbor Days Committee, and chaired the Cherry Bake-off Contest and the VIP Seating for the Women’s group. She is employed at Eastport Assisted Living as a caregiver as well as cook. The Elk Rapids Women’s Group is pleased to congratulate Tamera Valenzuela as the Woman of the Year!
Woman of the Year Tamy Valenzuela, at left, with Elk Rapids Women member Laura Schmidt. Courtesy photo
Local school participates in National Digital Learning Day
(February 09, 2012) 
Cherryland Middle School was among 10,000 other schools across the United States that brought innovation, creativity, and student engagement to their classrooms on the first National Digital Learning Day!
February 1st was the first National Digital Learning Day in the United States founded by the Alliance for Excellence in Education. Cherryland Middle School was happy to be included in this day that represents incorporating technology to students’ lessons. According to their website, “Digital learning is any instructional practice that is effectively using technology to strengthen the student learning experience.”
At CMS, their digital learning day included a Twitter connection with a school in Mexico in Spanish classes, Youtube video in social studies classes, Edmoto, thatquiz.com, Pearson Success Net, and graphing calculators in math classes, a digital scavenger hunt in health classes, Storybird creations in reading classes, mythological presentations using Goanimate in literature classes, and online research and survey creation in writing classes.
Even though their computers are getting older, they use them everyday to their utmost. CMS teachers are finding new and creative ways to engage students in their learning. Through technology they are working within the International Baccalaureate learner profile: risk takers, knowledgeable, principled, balanced, inquirers, and thinkers. They were excited to participate in this event as technology is one of the eight subject areas of the IB Middle Years Program. For more information on any of the digital tools or resources mentioned in this article contact Mrs. Jami Gray at Cherryland Middle School.
Laine Ratliff, Rebecca Couterier, and Chelsea Denham use technology to connect with students from around the world.
Ice Boating
(February 09, 2012) 
Local ice boater enthusiasts took advantage of the sun last weekend on Bass Lake. The weather was great and the quality of the ice was good according to the boaters.