LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Kindness of neighbors deeply appreciatedDear Editor,
In a time where it seems like our nation is gripped by divisiveness right down to our own town, I think it is important to realize that there are people quietly working behind the scene to demonstrate kindness and generosity right here in our community. I want to publicly thank our neighbors at Fischer Insurance. Without the generosity of Joe and Mark, I am certain our business would be dead in the water. By permitting parking free-of-charge for our patrons on their property, they have allowed us to open an outside space where patrons and staff can feel safer, and our business can continue to function. This is one of the many things they have actively done to help our business, not to mention offering great professional guidance. We are so lucky to have them as neighbors, and this community is truly lucky to have them as part of it. We cannot thank you enough for your integrity and kindness. The Lefebre Family, Elk Rapids Who shares responsibility for well-being of Chain of Lakes?Dear Editor,
Antrim County is home to most of northern Michigan’s Chain of Lakes. Therefore, the government and the residents share the responsibility for its environmental welfare. This includes the prevention of foreign substances seeping into any one of the bodies of water, Torch Lake, Torch River, Skegemog, Elk Lake, Bellaire Lake, Clam River, Clam Lake, Grass River, Intermediate Lake and the rest of the 14 lakes and 247 tributaries that empty into Grand Traverse Bay; whether it be from septic systems or traffic spewing gases and oils into the ground. Residents of all three counties should be concerned that a high concentration of these things in one small area could mean a greater possibility of a risk to the lakes. An 80 site RV park with 10 guests per site at the southwest end of Torch Lake could possibly affect the lakes. We won’t know that until an environmental impact study and a traffic/pedestrian safety study is done. Do we need 800 people filling septic tanks in one small area? Homeowners and visitors in Antrim, Kalkaska and Grand Traverse, please attend the August 11th and September 8th meetings in Milton Township at 7 p.m. Thank you, Julie Smith Rapid City |
Cooperation versus compromise?Dear Editor,
Is there a difference? Yes! To me, a “compromise” means you have covered all the bases and have arrived at a place of agreement. “Cooperation” is how you get there! The proposed 80 site RV Park with an allowance of an additional 10 guests per site means as many as 800 people will be filling up septic tanks, using water, electrical power for air conditioners, and bringing more vehicles to the already congested area of SW Torch Lake. Possibly good for business but possibly detrimental to the health of the “Chain of Lakes,” which encompasses 14 lakes, 247 tributaries and empties into the Grand Traverse Bay. In order to determine if a compromise is logical, first an environmental impact study and both a traffic and pedestrian safety study need to be done by an independent source. Then, only then, will we have a better idea of how an RV park will affect the Antrim County Chain of Lakes and SW Torch Lake. Please attend meetings regarding this project on Tuesday, August 11th and Monday, September 8th at Milton Township in Kewadin to show your support for the implementation of both studies. Cooperation is what we seek! Mary Skarnulis, Rapid City Letters to the Editor:
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