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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Help less fortunate

Dear Editor,


U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, a Trump appointee, recently announced a $1 billion cut in food assistance funds, including school lunch programs and local food banks. When asked about the reason, it was reported that Rollins replied, “They are nonessential.”

Michigan alone faces $4.3 million in cuts, resulting in a loss of 2 million meals. Rising food prices and increased demand make these cuts especially harmful, forcing food banks to rely on cheaper processed foods. Feed America West Michigan, serving the region and the Upper Peninsula, will lose funding for 600,000 meals, worth $180,000. These cuts will strain food banks, increasing their reliance on donations.

For many low-income families, the rising cost of living means choosing between bills and nutritious food – 60% of American families live paycheck to paycheck. I urge you to help our less fortunate neighbors. Find a local food bank by searching “local food banks near me” and consider donating.

William Holland
Elk Rapids

Thank you, Elk Rapids Community!

Dear Editor,

The Elk Rapids merchants would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the entire community for your incredible support of our Strut the Streets event and fashion show!

A special shoutout to the Elk Rapids Rotary Club for generously providing the tent, The Dam Shop for graciously hosting us, a huge thank you to Shae Marie Photography and all of our amazing sponsors. 

We’re especially grateful to Dennis Penrod for his continued support and helping hands and to Becky Lancaster for providing our fantastic advertising posters – your contributions truly brought the event to life!

Elk Rapids Merchants
Strut the Streets

​Schedule F

Dear Editor,

In 1883, the Pendleton Act established the Civil Service Commission. It was introduced and passed to address the practice of patronage, giving federal jobs to political supporters as a way to reward them. This practice led to corruption and inefficiency. Today, 2.2 million federal employees are civil servants. They receive their jobs through merit rather than loyalty to the chief executive. The system prioritizes expertise, integrity, and dedication to the public interest. 

Currently the Trump administration is attempting to implement Schedule F. This will allow the President to designate certain federal employees in a category where they can be hired, fired, and transferred without the protection of the civil service. 

We have already seen the effects Trump’s appointment of cabinet members (Secretary of Defense, Education Secretary, Health and Human Services) who were given their positions based on loyalty instead of expertise. To further politicize the process of hiring federal employees would do irreparable damage to the welfare of the American people. 

It is essential that civil servants be able to do their jobs with integrity and dedication to the public interest, and not out of loyalty to the President.

John Boals, 
Elk Rapids 

Update on new public safety complex

Dear Editor,

As all residents in Antrim County know, our current jail is over 70 years old and very outdated with ongoing plumbing/electrical issues not to mention lack of record storage and other space issues. Work areas for the jail staff are in cramped small areas and there are safety issues for both staff and inmates. These are ongoing and continued “band aid” solutions. As stated several times on record, there will be no raise in taxes to build this project. Stepped up talks with the architects are ongoing.

I have attended several of these ad hoc meetings and very impressed with the makeup of the chosen committee. All members want only the best for the county and residents in service, protection, quality of project, and cost. During comments for the audience to the committee, all had very good facts presented including Sheriff Hoch and County Administrator Scott. Show your support by contacting your county area commissioner or the Antrim County Clerk office.

Don Reynolds, Bellaire Village, formerly Elk Rapids Village
(retired Det. Lt – 30 years law enforcement)

Community efforts to SAVE the HERTH

Dear Editor,

The amazing show of support at the township board meeting on May 19 demonstrated the passion, energy, and appreciation our community has for saving the Historic Elk Rapids Township Hall (HERTH). 

From memories of times spent in the hall, testimonials from actors who have graced the stage, historical facts about the building, statements of what efforts have been undertaken to restore the hall, to fond recollections of how the HERTH takes center stage in township and village life, members of the audience eloquently argued to keep its doors open. 

However, the township board voted to move forward with an appraisal of the building and to contact a realtor for its sale.  

These decisions are a call for community members to be vigilant in our efforts to find a way to purchase the building so it can remain our community center. Attending township meetings (the second Monday of the month) and spreading the word about the community efforts to SAVE the HERTH are important for fueling the fire. We have had a great start, but our work is far from over.

The Historical Elk Rapids Township Hall Association (HERTHA) 

Young Marines

Dear Editor,

As we approach that time of year, Memorial Day, to remember those loved ones who are serving, and those who have passed on, I was delighted to read the wonderful article in our Elk Rapids News of the efforts of the Young Marines. These young people will be travelling to Washington in June, and they will enjoy the history of our nation in many ways. We have sent a small contribution towards expenses, and a notation in honor of three former Marines who are dear to us.  

​Should you be so moved, you may send contributions to Unit Commander Brian Wheelock.  Checks should be payable to: Young Marines of Traverse City. Questions may be directed to Brian at 989-350-8011.
God Bless America – Semper Fi 

Vince and Mary Lobisco
Elk Rapids


Local post office offers topnotch service

Dear Editor,

Recently, I became aware of some negative comments about our Post Office. I would like to offer that my experience there has been completely different. Whether I’m there in person or calling from out of state about something, I have always received the warm, helpful, and kind treatment we mid-westerners are known for. Julie, especially, is super helpful — always conducting business with a smile. I feel blessed to have a local post office that offers topnotch service. As my granddaughter says, “Kindness counts!” 

Sarah Miller
Elk Rapids

Letter to the Editor Guide
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Letters to the editor provide a platform for readers to share their opinions and concerns about local relevant topics. By design, letters to the editor are opinion pieces allowing readers to have their voices heard. The opinions expressed are always the writer’s own. Elk Rapids News does not engage in fact-checking as we would like to due to time constraints and a limitation of resources. 

•    Please limit length to 200 words and two submissions per topic. 

•    Letters containing personal attacks will not be published. 

•    Letters are subject to editing for content and clarity, must be signed, and include address and phone number for verification purposes – only your name and community in which you live be printed.

•    Deadline is Monday 12 p.m. to be considered for that week’s edition.

As your only locally owned and operated local news source, we strive to be your local newspaper of choice and welcome your comments, suggestions. – Editor

Reminder to our readers that Letters to the Editor containing political endorsements will no longer be accepted. Instead, readers may pay for a political ad. 

Elk Rapids News
212 River Street

P.O. Box 176
Elk Rapids, Michigan  49629
231-264-6670 Phone

231-264-6685 Fax

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