ANTRIM COUNTY: Grand Traverse Band announces disbursements
(February 04, 2010) 
The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians recently announced the distribution of their twice a year 2% gaming revenue allocation to local units of government. On January 27th, the Tribal Council determined which organizations would receive a portion of the 2% gaming revenues derived from slot machines. Of the 89 applications received, which totaled $2,292,048.65 in requests, the Grand Traverse Band Tribal Council awarded 49 applicants. The total amount available to allocate for this 2% cycle was $949,482.08. Some of the beneficiaries include:
Acme Township - Funding for the Traverse City Convention and Visitors Bureau for the 2010 Michigan partnership program to maximize leveraging opportunity to generate more exposure for tourism in the State's "Pure Michigan" campaign for the region’s economy, $75,000.
Antrim County Emergency Services - Funding for the purchase of reflective house numbering signs for residence and businesses in Antrim County that currently do not have proper numbering in accord with the county-wide house numbering ordinance, resident priority to be determined by the county at a future date, $25,203.03.
Antrim County - Prisoner housing contracts, $12,775.00
Elk Rapids Township - Funding to rehabilitate and utilize the town hall so the history of the region is reflected in activities through a "Village Quest Project,” $4,800.00. Awarded to the township through a grant prepared by the Elk Rapids Historic Town Hall Association (HERTHA).
“The vision quest is a method that the Native Americans successfully use to define and achieve their community goals,” said HERTHA representative Marie Dolembo. “It is an honor to receive this grant because it means that the tribal council supports our proposal to conduct a village quest in the manner of a vision quest in order to discover how to develop town hall programs that include Native American history and culture. In the process, we will cultivate relationships with Native Americans who live in the area so that they will feel welcome in our HERTHA meetings, discussions and decisions.”
Village of Elk Rapids Police Department - Funding to purchase a digital in-car camera system to be installed in a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe 4-wheel drive police car, $4,500.00.
Whitewater Township - Funding for water and sewer to the Fire/Emergency Services facility, $19,797.00.
Photo Caption: Elk Rapids Township won a $4,800 grant from the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa that was written by members of the Elk Rapids Historic Town Hall Association (HERTHA). Funds will be used for various programs and improvements at the historic building located at 401 River St. in Elk Rapids as part of the “Village Quest” award.
VILLAGE OF ELK RAPIDS: Budget, Village attorney, wind energy addressed by Council
By - Terry Miller, Elk Rapids LIVE Editor (February 04, 2010)
Elk Rapids Village Manager Bob Peterson introduced his proposed 2010 budget to Village Council members via a digital image presentation at Monday evening’s Council meeting. Significant cuts have been made in several areas to further reduce the tax burden for citizens.
During Citizen Comments, Village resident Terry Miller expressed preliminary concern that about 40% of the General Fund budget is for police. In addition, there were significant increases in several of the police line items. Dan Reszka explained that there is a proposed adjustment in police overtime. Police Chief Mike Meyers explained that, as a result of the overtime adjustment, he is looking at reorganizing police shifts during the 2010 holidays. He also stated police staff wages are frozen. Reszka stated that the overall budget proposal cuts about 2 mills from last year’s budget.
Village Trustee Steve Francis expressed concern that the proposed budget is not based on metrics. For example, the police budget is not tied to any justification of head count based on crime rate or need for public safety.
President Reszka reiterated his longstanding, strong support for a local police force, citing the need for quick response in case of emergency. Miller continued his critique by noting that without headcount justification, there was no support for five policemen. Chief Miles pointed out that five staff members give the Village expanded coverage.
A possible increase in revenue was proposed – changing the PVT (breathalyzer) test from $3 to $4, which is still under the state average of $5 per test. The final decision was put off pending further study.
Major items passed on the Consent Agenda were clarification of the Memorial Donations and Gifting policies of the Village as well as permission for the 2010 Ride Around Torch outing to use Memorial Park as a stopping point.
Village resident Barb Mullaly gave Council an update on the Elk Rapids Broadband Area Maximization (ERBAM!) meeting last week, expressing confidence that the group would work hard to complete the broadband grant application by the March 15 deadline.
Village Manager Peterson stated that Elk Rapids remains number one in recycling in the County and that the costs for recycling have dropped.
Regarding the ongoing selection process for a new Village attorney, President Reszka explained that our current attorney is retiring, then he reviewed the process and stated that the candidate pool had been narrowed from six to three. He further noted that the list of finalists is confidential. However Trustee and erstwhile lawyer Steve Francis assured the audience that he was not a finalist.
Zoning Administrator Steve Ravezzani explained recent work by the Planning Commission on front yard setbacks for residential zones R-2 and R-3. He also noted that the Planning Commission has done a lot of research on the subject of wind energy. Reasonable rules for small wind energy systems, structurally mounted or tower mounted, are now in the Ordinance book. Planning Chairperson Barb Mullaly elaborated that wind energy is a quickly evolving technology, so the Commission will revisit this ordinance in one year.
Second public hearings will take place at a later meeting on both the setback and wind energy matters.
In other proceedings:
• Green E.R. Day is May 18.
• President Reszka officially appointed Village resident John Matthews to the Downtown Development Association (DDA).
• The sidewalk committee is working on school area sidewalks as well as possible memorial sidewalk sections.
• The Harbor Commission will present its completed proposal for Dam Beach parking at the next special meeting on Monday, February 8, 7 p.m. at Government Center.
The meeting was adjourned just shy of 9 p.m.
• The Planning Commission is reviewing the existing guidelines for hotels and motels.
Chief Miles stated that his schedule has changed due to remanding of defendant Anne Avery for psychiatric evaluation (regarding the death of Sam Avery).
TORCH LAKE TOWNSHIP: After four decades, cleanup begins at Torch Lake gasoline contamination site
By - Gerry Sell , Correspondent (February 04, 2010)
– Thanks to Jack Norris of Torch Lake Township, who has researched this issue for over 20 years, for sharing his files for this story.
Dennis Schneider and Deb Comber own Fudge Galore. They would like to open a retail shop in Torch Lake Village where they could sell their fudge. The problem is, the well on the property is contaminated with gasoline. Chris and Sonny Szejbach own Sonny’s Torch Lake Market in the village. They have their wells tested several times each year. So far, they have tested clean, but it’s a worry. The gasoline has been there in the aquifer under the village for 40 years.
Last May, AECOM, a private international engineering and environmental consulting firm with offices in Lansing, was retained by the DEQ to monitor wells in the area and come up with a cleanup plan. In January, Torch Lake property owners received a notice from AECOM that the cleanup would begin this month.
How gasoline got into the drinking water and where it went
Forty years ago, a pipe leading from the underground gasoline storage tank at the Standard Service Station in Torch Lake Village began to leak. Drip, drip–25 gallons per day, 9125 gallons per year. The gasoline seeped through the sandy Antrim County soil until it reached the water table. Gasoline is lighter than water. It floats on top of it, like one of those fancy layered cocktails. Benzene, toluene, lead. No one knew that the tank was leaking. Drip, drip, drip.
The service station changed hands a couple of times and became the Way Service Station. Drip, drip, drip.
In 1978, the Stroebels, who lived in Torch Lake Village, reported that their drinking water well was spitting gasoline. The Michigan Department of Public Health took samples and confirmed the contamination. The DNR drilled test holes and found that it was likely the underground gasoline storage tanks were leaking. In 1979, the tanks were uncovered and the leak confirmed.
Way’s insurance company paid to cap the Stroebels’ well and to dig a deeper one. The 1979 reports in DNR files indicate variously that the service station’s tanks were repaired or removed. EPA reports from the time indicate likely widespread groundwater degradation and foresee possible future well contamination. The case was marked Source Unknown, Case Cancelled.
The service station was closed. Eventually the building became Bob Hybl’s gift shop. In 1985, gasoline came out of the faucets in the gift shop. The well was condemned and capped. In the course of drilling a new well, the driller encountered gasoline. The new well was capped. A third well was drilled.
The gasoline plume expanded to the southwest, contaminating a community well at the Bay Harbor Club residential development on Grand Traverse Bay. That well, too, was capped and replaced at considerable expense. There were anecdotal reports of cancer: Paul Stroebel, Bob Hybl, Kathy Terrell. A cancer cluster study was inconclusive.
A major residential development planned for the Torch Lake Club site now occupied by the Day Park was halted in large part because construction plans could have channeled the gasoline plume directly into Torch Lake.
And still the gasoline plume floats there, on top of the groundwater between Torch Lake and Grand Traverse Bay. Now the cleanup is to begin.
Next week: How the cleanup will proceed
North American Vasa benefits women's health
(February 04, 2010)
World-class competition and heart-felt compassion to raise awareness for women's health issues come together at the 34th Annual North American Vasa Festival of Races Feb. 13-14 in Traverse City. A portion of each entry fee will benefit Munson Medical Center's Women's Cancer Fund and a new fundraiser this year on Valentine's Day features a ski tour starting at noon with all proceeds to go to the Munson Women's Heart Health Fund.
A special Valentine's Day tour is planned at noon on Sunday, Feb. 14 to benefit heart health. Skiers are invited to ski with their special someone or with friends at their own casual pace. Distances up to 16 kilometers will be available on immaculately groomed trails. Special treats sponsored by the Chocolate Den, Chocolate Exotica, and Benjamin Twiggs will be available on the course. Special music will be played at the start and finish area, and at food stops. Participants are encouraged to wear red or pink and special chocolate prizes will be awarded to those with the best Valentine's Day outfits. All funds raised during the event will be donated to the Munson Women's Heart Health Fund.
This year's Vasa races are once again part of the American Ski Marathon Series. Registration for races is underway and those who register early receive a discount. A complete schedule of races and events is at vasa.org. All races will begin and end at Timber Ridge RV and Recreation Resort, 4050 Hammond Road, Traverse City. Registration and packet pickup at the resort begins at noon on Friday, Feb. 12, and runs until 9 p.m. A pasta dinner is offered from 5 - 8 p.m. on Friday as a benefit for local youth Nordic programs. For information on volunteering or to register for the races, call (231) 938-4400 or go to vasa.org.
American Heart Month: Go Red for Women
February has been designated American Heart Month by the American Heart Association. Munson Medical Center will promote a series of events to educate and raise awareness about heart disease, the No. 1 killer of women in America. National Wear Red Day is Feb, 5th. Everyone is encouraged to participate as a way to raise awareness about the fight against heart disease in women. A Heart to Heart for Women health screening is planned at Munson Community Health Center on Feb. 24 as part of their Go Red for Women events in February. For more information, visit www.munsonhealthcare.org. or call 935-8565.
Goss completes new mascot sculpture for Bellaire High School
(February 04, 2010) 
The Bellaire Eagles have finished off their new school addition with the installation of a giant 13-foot high eagle sculpture by Williamsburg artist John Goss. The eagle is depicted flying over the entrance to the school's new gymnasium as well as beautiful presentation of the school's mascot.
Goss began work on the eagle early last summer. He was asked to use some of the metal material from the old torn down school building to create the sculpture. The eagle appears to be swooping down over the new building entrance and is larger than any eagle ever made by the artist. The eagle was paid for through fundraising efforts in the Bellaire area.
John Goss has been working full time as a metal sculptor for over 25 years in northern Michigan and has crafted hundreds of sculptures often using recycled metals. He is represented by the Twisted Fish Gallery in Elk Rapids, where many of his recent sculpture pieces can be seen.
Photo and text courtesy of Bob Streit
TV’s, camera, electronic equipment stolen during break ins
(February 04, 2010)
The Antrim County Sheriff’s Office is investigating breaking and entering that occurred around January 4th, 2010 on the E. Torch Lake corridor. Approximately four residences were broken into and items taken ranged from televisions, camera equipment, electronic equipment and yard equipment. The subject(s) entered the residence by prying and breaking into the front door of a residence or the garage door.
Approximately $6,000 dollars worth of property was taken and damage done to the property according to Antrim County Sheriff Dan Bean. Anyone with information to the residence or others please contact the Antrim County Sheriff’ Office at 231 533-8627.
Avery-Miller scheduled for psych exam
(February 04, 2010)
Anne Avery-Miller will undergo a state psychiatric evaluation to determine if she is competent to stand trial. Thirteenth Circuit Court Judge Thomas Power arraigned Avery-Miller last Wednesday on an open count of murder and a count of using a firearm during a felony. The evaluation, to be conducted in a state-run facility in Ypsilanti, is expected to take 60 days.
Avery-Miller was charged with the November 7, 2007 shooting death of her son, Sam Avery. Avery died of a single gunshot wound to the back of the head.
2010 Census is your community’s voice in government
(February 04, 2010)
The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is underway as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.
When you fill out the census form your community benefits. You are making a statement about what resources your community needs. The census information affects the numbers of seats your state occupies in the U.S. House of Representatives. And people use census data to advocate for causes, rescue disaster victims, prevent diseases, research markets, and locate pools of skilled workers and more. In fact, the information the census collects helps to determine how more than $400 billion dollars of federal funding each year is spent on infrastructure and services like hospitals, job training centers schools, senior centers, bridges, tunnels and emergency services.
When participating in the U.S Census process, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative but cautious, so not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. BBB offers the following advice:
• A U.S. Census worker will have a badge and a confidentiality notice.
• They may have a handheld device and a Census Bureau canvas bag.
• Ask to see their badge and identification before answering questions.
• Never invite anyone you don’t know into your home.
• Do not give your social security number, credit card or banking information.
Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Remember, no matter what they ask, you only need to tell them how many people live at your address. The Census Bureau has decided not to work with Acorn on gathering this information so no Acorn worker should approach you saying they are with the Census Bureau.
Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by email, so be careful for email scams impersonating the Census, Never click on a link or open any attachments in an email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau. Visit 2010 Census.gov for more info.
The U.S. Census Bureau is hiring
The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting temporary, part-time census takers for the 2010 Census. These short-term jobs offer good pay, flexible hours, paid training, and reimbursement for authorized work-related expenses such as mileage. Best of all, census takers work right in their own communities. Anyone 18 and older may apply; seniors, students, veterans, those with part-time jobs, and especially those with bilingual skills. Visit www.2010censusjobs.gov or call 866-861-2010 to apply for a job.
New gas station coming to E.R.?
By - Terry Miller, Elk Rapids LIVE (February 04, 2010)
I have received confirmation from Rachelle White, Marketing Manager of Blarney Castle Oil and Propane that Blarney Castle has purchased the lot (formerly the Super Tool parking lot) in Elk Rapids. According to her, Blarney Castle has no immediate plans for the site. In an odd twist, she asked that Elk Rapids provide no extensive coverage of this story. The company operates over 90 EZ Mart stores in northern and western lower Michigan, as well as providing propane and home heating oil services.
Finding mid-winter traction
By - Rob Ford (February 04, 2010) 
I remember reading an old column by one of my favorite writers, Rick Reilly, who used to write a weekly column on the back page of Sports Illustrated. Reilly was having a conversation with his daughter that went something like this.
“How long does it take you to write your column?” she asked.
“About two hours,” he replied.
“Then what do you do the rest of the week?” she asked.
“Worry about those two hours,” Reilly concluded.
Well, I’m no Rick Reilly, and this is certainly not the back page of a nationally published, four color magazine, but I sometimes find myself in similar conversations as the one above.
Except my conversation is usually with nobody but myself, and it goes something like this.
“Have you written a column this week?” I ask.
“Yes, I finished it two hours ago,” I reply.
“Well, what are you going to do the rest of the week,” I ask.
“Worry about what I wrote two hours ago,” I conclude.
I’m just kidding, of course.
Not that I’ve never had a conversation with myself, but that I’ve ever worried about anything that I’ve ever published here before.
As I’ve quipped here before, my attitude toward this column has always been “paper towel,” not “soap box.” Recalling that I became comfortable with publishing my thoughts on a regular basis only after convincing myself that column was nothing more than a paper towel, absorbing whatever happened to spill out of my mind on a given day. Never has it been my intention to push my point of view or promote any sort of agenda using this forum as a soap box.
And that worked fine for me.
That’s allowed me to freely think of my own stuff to write about, leaving the actual news and factual stuff to the professionals. Wrapped in the context that people read the newspaper for the news and if they have an extra minute or two, they can check out my column, I’ve always managed.
In most cases, I write it, think about it, rewrite it, send it and forget about it all in the same day. Someone mentions a column to me a few days later and I may have to think for a moment what I had written about recently. Now, that may just be old age working it’s magic, but I’d like to think it’s how I roll.
Not every column works that way for me.
The column that I wrote in November regarding our legal system and the idea that too many people had crossed the line of being fair and decent to one another continues to gather comments to this day. In the days following it’s printing, I spoke with dozens of people that had similar feelings. In the ensuing weeks, I continued to take calls and even got mail over the topic. I don’t say that to brag about anything, rather I say it to express my sincerest gratitude to those that have apparently been reading my column.
In that context, it should come to nobody’s surprise that I received in today’s mail a pair of “WinterTrax.” An over the shoe winter augmentation that bills itself as “a light duty traction device for winter safety on packed snow and ice” and allows its user to “walk more confidently on packed snow and ice.”
At first, I was stumped.
I hadn’t ordered anything like these.
Only when I read the invoice, where in the memo section it simply read, “Rob, wear these, Cathy” did the light go on and my January 18 column about my recent battles with slippery streets, gym floors and gravity came to mind.
My only question, of course, is how to convince athletic directors to allow me to wear them on the hardwood floors.
I guess that‘s something else I’ll have to worry about.
ELK RAPIDS TOWNSHIP SOB ordinance questioned, rezoning and open space discussed
By - Karin Beery, Correspondent (February 04, 2010)
The Elk Rapids Township Planning Commission met on Tuesday, January 19 for their monthly meeting. The agenda included the sexually oriented business (SOB) ordinance, contract rezoning, and open space development.
Larry Nix, the Township planning consultant from Williams & Works, first addressed the SOB ordinance. He reported that attorney Randall Kraker from the Varnum Law Firm in Grand Rapids had reviewed it, but would not sign off until all cases and research sited had been reviewed. The estimated cost is $5,000-10,000.
Nix also spoke with Village Council member Steve Francis about the ordinance. According to Francis, the Village had their SOB ordinance reviewed by Olson, Bzdok, and Howard out of Traverse City. Olson, Bzdok, and Howard's estimated cost to review the ordinance is $1,250-$1,500.
After much discussion, Vice Chairman Shen Smith moved to have Nix take estimates and coordinate with Township Supervisor William White and the township's attorneys to assign a legal counsel to review the ordinance. The motion carried.
The next item on the agenda was contract rezoning. Nix said that he had spoken with the township attorney William Derman about the ordinance. As it is not something Derman has looked at in years, so he offered no opinion or advice as to whether or not the township should adopt it.
Nix presented his own research, showing that contract rezoning is not a universally enforced ordinance. He said that Supervisor White will be at the Michigan Township Association Meeting next week in Grand Rapids and is planning to ask other township officials about it.
Lundy suggested waiting until White gets more information on the ordinance before discussing it further. Mischel requested formal correspondences between Derman and Turkelson, White, and the Planning Commission to discuss the matter. The issue was tabled until the next meeting.
The commission next did a preliminary review of open space development in the township. Nix started by reviewing that the master plan includes a section on “residential development to preserve significant areas of open space”. The current zoning enabling act allows for residential development on half of a parcel of land while preserving the other half as open space.
Mischel asked for discussion on the topic to decide if it is an ordinance they should consider for the township.
Smith started by reminding the commission that the ordinance is optional for townships of less than 5,000 people. Secretary Emile Sabty read past minutes showing that Elk Rapids township discussed the issue in 2002 and decided not to adopt it. The commission was very split on their opinions of open space development, with many arguments for and against the policy.
After much discussion it was decided that Zoning Administrator Leonard Harrett and Nix will gather more information about open space developments. Specifically they will find out how other townships felt about the ordinance after they approved it, and they will find examples of these developments in Traverse City so members can drive in and view the communities. The issue was tabled until the information is presented at next month's meeting.
The final item on the agenda was Zoning Board of Appeals Chapter 18. The commission agreed that they needed more information before they could update and review it. They tabled it until next month's meeting.
Sandie’s Galley
By - Sandie Parker (February 04, 2010)
Here it is, the recipe you all have been waiting for. Over the holidays our oldest son and friend came to stay with us for four days. I needed to make a stick to your ribs, kind of meal. When you are six foot, three inches tall, muscles and abs to die for, you eat a lot of food. Now that was one reason for this recipe, not to mention the short amount of time it took to prepare it. We all know that two days before Christmas, the cook has been cooking for days, and still is cooking just to get Christmas dinner prepared, let alone an extra meal thrown in there, when we should be having take out, right? ( smiling ) I guess, I could have gone the take out route, but since cooking and writing recipes is my profession, and son is from New York City, where take out meals are in abundance, I just had to do it! Now, for the rest of the story. The meal was a smash hit, big time, out of the park home run. So much so, they wanted the recipe, passed it on to friends and relatives and made it themselves January 5th. Of course I got a phone call telling me how wonderful it was even the second time around. I am positive you will come up with the same results. See you soon with another, have to recipe! To write to Sandie, send emails to sandiesgalley@gmail.com and visit her website at www.sandiesgalley.com.
Simple Slow Cook Jambalaya
1 med. Vidalia onion, chopped
1 c. celery, chopped
1 (14.5 oz.) can Basil, garlic, diced tomatoes
4 oz. tomato paste
1 (14.5 oz.) can chicken broth
1 T. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. Montreal steak seasoning
1 tsp. Cajun seasoning
1/2 tsp. dried thyme, or 1 T. fresh, chopped
3/4 c. Mae Ploy sweet chili sauce, found in Chinese section
2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2 inch pieces, raw
3/4 lb. Italian sausage, cooked and drained, (optional)
1 c. uncooked minute rice
1/2 c. red pepper, chopped
1/2 c. yellow pepper, chopped
10 oz. frozen, cooked, shrimp, detailed or not
In a 4 quart crock pot combine onion, celery, undrained tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning, thyme, chili sauce. Stir in chicken. Cover, cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Add the cooked sausage halfway through the cooking stage. Now, stir in rice, frozen shrimp and peppers. Cover and cook on low for 10 to 15 minutes. Rice should absorb most of the liquid and be tender. Serves 6 easily. Hint: If you cook the sausage just before the meal is ready, add it to the Jambalaya when you add the rice and the rest of the ingredients. It's your choice.
– Hint for all the lovers out there that want to do something special and not eat out: Great meal to make for Valentines Day, all you need is a nice loaf of warm bread, a bottle of wine or champagne, and some dark chocolate for the sweet tooth!
Obama supports clean coal for the future Elsenheimer: Trickle down must reach Michigan bureaucracy soon
(February 04, 2010)
While President Barack Obama discussed his plan for national recovery during his first State of the Union speech, Michigan House Republican Leader Kevin Elsenheimer heard a glimmer of hope for Michigan when the president touted clean coal plant technology.
“I fully expected to hear about the importance of developing alternative green energy for our future, but I was shocked and then delighted that the president would mention even briefly the need to continue investment in coal technologies,” said Elsenheimer, R-Bellaire. “In Northern Michigan we’ve been battling delays and roadblocks with the governor’s administration for years to get construction permits for approval of new clean coal plant construction so businesses and residents have affordable energy resources and more importantly, jobs.
“I know it was only a quick mention by President Obama, but I hope Gov. Granholm heard the same message from the president last night that I and the rest of the nation did. Someone has to ask the question why the governor doesn’t support these projects. I thought she supported clean-coal technology, like our president -- I thought she also supported creating jobs, like our president.”
The Obama administration has already backed up its support with money - Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative Inc. received a $2.7 million grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 for an industrial carbon capture and storage project as part of the new power plant construction plans for Rogers City, which is still awaiting approval by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environmental. Wolverine is also in the running to receive another federal grant once the state permit is approved that could total more than $120 million to assist with the construction cost of this new carbon capture demonstration project.
Poems from the Elders Project continued
By - Katy Derks (February 04, 2010)
These poems are from the Elders Project taking place in Elk Rapids, and sponsored by the Elk Rapids Area Historical Society. We bring elders of the community into the middle and high schools, and students interview them, selecting their favorite sections to transcribe. They turn this rough prose into a free verse poem using the elder's own words. I transcribe the rest of the tapes, and write around the kids. If you don't see a student's name before a poem, the work is mine. The Elders Project is a great blending of Literature and folk history. – Terry Wooten
Interview of elder Adam Schuler and prose poem written by Katy Derks. At the time Katy was in eighth grade. She’s now a sophomore at Elk Rapids High School.
Jerry and Molly
My dad put up ice on Elk Lake. It had snowed,
and we hitched up the horses. We had a scraper
and we scraped the snow off the ice. The day
before we had what they called “scored the field.”
We cut eight inches down. The ice was about ten
inches thick. So there was just two inches holding.
We thought it had flooded and refroze, but with
the snow it didn’t flood. We were scraping the
snow off. I was down there with the hired man
and two other fellows helping us.
The horses started going through the ice. I was
real young, and I thought, “Oh No!” My Dad
hollered at me to go and get some help!
We had a 1941 Ford Sedan. I drove downtown
and got some fellas to help us. When I came back
they had gotten the horses separated. Somebody
had climbed right in the water to take the reins apart.
They were all hitched together. If one went down
it would bring the other one down. So they were
thrashing in the water. The horses were quite large
and scared like everybody else. They’re horrible at
swimming.
On the white horse, Jerry, they had taken a chain
and put it around the horse’s neck to shut the wind
off, so the horse would bloat so it would float. Then
they pulled it onto the good part of the ice that wasn’t
“scored.”
They turned around and gave the reins of Jerry to me.
My Dad said, “You go take that horse to the barn,
and don’t stop. Keep running all the time.” I told my
Dad, “I can’t run fast all the time.”
He said, “When you stop make sure that horse is
constantly moving around you.”
I did. I got to the barn and somebody else was
already there. We started rubbing Jerry down with
horse blankets. We were afraid that pneumonia
would set in and we’d lose the horse. We’d saved
him thus far so we wanted to keep going.
The horses had real sharp horseshoes on. When
they were in the water Jerry had tried to climb up
Molly’s back to get out of the water. He put a
big gash in her hind quarters.
They got Molly out of the water and into the barn.
We were rubbing the horses down when we saw
this great big cut like a flap four or five inches across.
We were concerned about that and pneumonia.
When my dad left the icehouse to come up, he
went to the local liquor store to get a bottle of
whiskey. Old wives tales and horse tales said that
was supposed to be good for ‘em.
They brought these bottles to the barn and poured
the whiskey into a horse bottle. A horse bottle is
probably twenty-four inches long and narrow so
you can put it right inside the horse’s mouth and
get behind his or her jaw.
They were giving Jerry some, and he kept shaking
his head. He swallowed very little. The other horse,
I don’t know what happened. Molly just kind of took
it. She drank most of it. My Dad and the hired hand
were with them all that day and night.
We had a vet come over. We’d done everything we
could. He said, “I don’t want to do anything with
the cut just yet. I want to take care of this first.” He
gave her some antiseptic so no infection could get in.
The next morning Jerry was really doing well. But
Molly’s ears were right back on her forehead. She
was really bad. The vet came again and said,
“That horse has a hangover.” You couldn’t get near
her. The end of the story is we saved both horses.
It was quite an experience, especially for a young kid.
ELK RAPIDS SCHOOLS: Q & A with Stephen Prissel
(February 04, 2010)
Incoming Elk Rapids Schools Superintendent Stephen R. Prissel answered our questions about his impressions of the district and how he sees education evolving here in the near future. We thank him for his time. – Editor
Q.–What were your impressions of the Elk Rapids School system before you arrived? We understand you have worked with several of the Elk Rapids administrators on initiatives within the Intermediate School District.
A.–The impressions I had of Elk Rapids Schools before I arrived were of admiration, respect and success. The ER tradition of excellence is known throughout our ISD and area. I always viewed ER as a leader in education and seemingly a step ahead of the rest of the other area schools. Before coming to this outstanding district, I always had the highest degree of admiration and respect for the staff, students and community. I did have the pleasure to work with some of the ER administrators in the past. I worked with retired superintendent Jon Hoover on different superintendent groups through TBAISD. I have a great deal of respect for Jon in his leadership skills and promotion of Elk Rapids Schools. Terry Starr [Lakeland, Cherryland Middle School Principal] and Mike Travis [Elk Rapids High School Principal] are also administrators that I have either known previously or worked with on TBAISD groups/committees. After working with these administrators and getting to know them, I felt as though I would be a good fit in ER.
Q.–What strengths do you think you bring to the Elk Rapids School system?
A.–My broad experience as a teacher, coach and administrator has given me a great perspective on a number of different topics and job duties. I also pride myself as an effective communicator. These skills are very important when working with students, staff and community. Determination, I love being in a school atmosphere and will do whatever it takes to support our school district and help provide our students with the highest quality of education.
Q.–What have been your initial impressions of the school staff and students?
A.–The staff and students here at ER are second to none. The staff seems to always be willing to go that extra step to help the school and students. I have been very impressed with the students and how courteous and hard working they are. You can clearly see that this staff and student body are focused on Excellence.
Q.–What initiatives do you see happening in the next year, such as International Baccalaureate and Foreign Language?
A.–The International Baccalaureate program will continue for grades 6-8. We will evaluate this program in 2010-11 to help determine its expansion in the following years. Foreign language is an area that has expanded at the 6-12 grade level. It would be very appropriate for this initiative to move into the elementary level. This is an area that I look forward to working on in the future. Additionally, the elementary staff is continually working on new ways to improve math and reading achievement. They are also tireless when it comes to implementing new interventions to help support all students. Our high school staff continues to succeed in preparing our students for successful completion of the state mandated Michigan Merit Curriculum. This staff also has been highly effective in implementing a special needs inclusion model for our students. This model will continue to be used next year and look forward to its success.
Q.–What, if any, influence will the Reimagine Education have on Elk Rapids School curriculum? Do you see a trend towards districts working more closely together to offer more opportunities?
A.–Project ReImagine is an educational movement to help our ISD and region move forward to assist students for 21st century learning. ReImagine Education will have a certain impact on the Elk Rapids School’s curriculum. The impact is already seen and as a district we have been able to move forward in a timelier manner than other local schools. ReImagine education deals with not only K-12 education, but early childhood education. At Elk Rapids Schools, we have an outstanding Early Childhood program that is utilized for ages 0-5. This is a program that we are very proud of and welcome any families to get involved with this service, which is focused on school readiness. The International Baccalaureate program is also about ReImagine Education. Many of the teaching practices and programs in our early childhood, elementary, middle and high schools are focused on 21st century learning. Districts will be working more collaboratively in the future. I believe this will be a real asset of our ISD. They will provide direction in how we as a region can tap into resources where all of our students can benefit.
Q.–What challenges do you see for the future that include school funding?
A.–In terms of school funding, these financial times continue to force schools to do more with less. Funding levels have decreased while the cost of supplies, health care, retirement and operations increase. Until our funding structure from the State of Michigan changes, we will continue to work with less revenue. Even during these challenging financial times, we are focused as a district and school board to provide our students with the highest quality of education that ensures a successful future.
Q.–How can students, educators and parents work together better to improve the educational experience?
A.–The educational experience of a child can certainly be enhanced by effective communication between parents and educators. When students know that their parents are actively involved with their education and achievement, I think it breeds a real positive environment. This environment is enhanced by communication between the school and parents. Together as a team, we can make the educational experience more enjoyable and prosperous. Communication is the key.
Alden Men’s Club will aid Food Rescue program
By - Priscilla Miller, Correspondent (February 04, 2010) 
On Saturday, Jim Rowlett and Bruce Byl from Food Rescue of Northwest Michigan (a program of Goodwill Industries of Northern Michigan) addressed members of the Alden Men’s Club, explaining the organization’s mission is to rescue perishable and soon-to-expire fresh foods, like fruit, vegetables, meat, bakery and dairy products, from grocery stores, restaurants, caterers and bakeries and then redistribute these items to local food pantries, shelters and community meal programs that serve the hungry.
In existence since October of 2008, Food Rescue is making a difference in the lives of people who are struggling to put food on the table during these difficult economic times. With 51 donors, the program has distributed over 300,000 pounds of food and beverages to 34 recipient agencies that serve the hungry in Grand Traverse, Leelanau and north Benzie Counties. In addition, they are expanding the program into central and southern Benzie, Kalkaska and Antrim County.
Byl says, “That’s 300,000 pounds of food that went into the stomachs of hungry people and not into a landfill. Donors benefit because donations of food are tax deductible and they save on dumpster fees.”
Based on 2008 figures, 29% of Antrim County households were living below the poverty level. At one food bank in Ellsworth for example, 600 different families were serviced in one month.
After the presentation by Rowlett and Byl, a vote by the Alden Men's Club membership was taken and a decision was made to aid Food Rescue by soliciting participation of Antrim County grocers for the purpose of having them donate fresh, soon-to-expire food to the program for distribution to Antrim County food pantries.
In keeping with the Alden Men’s Club mission to help area food banks, a Chili Fest fundraiser will be held on March 6th at the Helena Township Community Center from 11 a.m. to 3: 30 p.m. with all proceeds going to area food banks.
Anyone wanting to have perishable, or soon-to-expire food rescued, or to make a monetary donation, can call 231-995-7729 or e-mail, info@FoodRescueNW.org.
Soon-to-expire fresh foods are being donated to Food Rescue of Northwest Michigan by area grocery stores, restaurants and caterers and used to feed the hungry, rather than ending up in a landfill. Photo by Priscilla Miller
(February 04, 2010) 