Caughtcha being Good!

Amy Hendrickson

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Photo by Kristie Wolgamott
Laura and Dennis Standhardt were attempting to replace a lightbulb on their front porch just before Halloween, as they wanted the area to be safe for trick or treaters. So, they got their ladder out, changed the lightbulb, but couldn’t get the rusty screws refastened over the globe cover. They had been trying for a while, Dennis on the ladder and Laura behind him watching his back, when a car pulled up, and a voice said, “Can I help you?” Laura looked up and Amy was standing there offering to help them. She had been driving by and noticed the couple struggling.

“It was the kindness of a stranger,” Laura said. “We are in our 80s and some things aren’t that easy to do anymore. Amy got right up on the ladder, we handed her the tools, and she got the cover on for us. I want people to know there is kindness everywhere, especially in this small town.”
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Amy is quietly appreciative of the recognition, and her response is to ask others to be more aware and caring for the people around them. She said that special feeling of reaching out and connecting with your community is all that we need for our collective well-being! Caughtcha being GOOD, Amy. Thank you!

VILLAGE OF ELK RAPIDS
Harbor Commission Update

By Mark McAlpine, Contributing Writer
 
The Elk Rapids Harbor Commission met for their regular monthly meeting on Monday, December 8. All commission members were present. Village Manager David Tait attended and participated in the meeting. An amended agenda was approved for the meeting. Minutes from the September 8 regular meeting and September 29 special meeting were approved as submitted. 

As part of his staff report, Harbormaster Mike Singleton announced that the Edward Grace Memorial Harbor was awarded the 2025 Elite Fleet Award by Marinas.com as part of its annual Boaters Choice Award. This is the third straight year that Memorial Harbor was chosen for the top tier Elite Fleet Award given to those marinas across the United States that carried the highest user ratings for service and staff through the year. Singleton answered questions from the commission related to his monthly report. He reported that Edgewater Resources is late filing their engineering reports for the upper and lower harbors. The harbor staff cannot proceed with grant applications and cost estimate efforts until the engineering reports are completed. Edgewater has not provided a timeline for the report submission.

Commission Chair Jim Bryant led the commission on a general budget discussion. According to Bryant, Village Treasurer Kristine Davis will submit the harbor budget on January 12. The commission expressed a reluctance to provide budget input without receiving clarification from the village of budget results and changes over the past three years. A special harbor commission meeting on January 5 at 6:30 p.m. was proposed and approved to review a budget proposal from Singleton for 2026. The regularly scheduled January 12 meeting will be canceled. 

At its most recent meeting, the Village Council took no action on a proposal from the Harbor Commission to continue with the DNR category 3 2026 rate schedule for marina slips. According to estimates from Singleton, rates in category 3 were increased by the DNR for 2026 and would result in an average revenue increase of 10% for 2026 slip rentals. The council requested that the Harbor Commission reconsider their proposal and recommended they consider an additional increase to category 2 rates to offset rising expenses and the need to finance new underground fuel tanks in the near future. A motion was made and passed to reopen the discussion of their previous rate decision.

The Harbor Commission estimates that a change to category 2 would increase annual revenues $160,000 for all harbor slips. Staying with the category 3 recommendation would reduce that revenue projection by $60,000. Bryant and several commissioners expressed some concern and confusion about the harbor financial results over the past three years. Bryant noted that village management and accounting changes over the past three years have resulted in changes in the financial reporting that have created confusion.

A motion was made to request the village to authorize and fund a comprehensive review and forensic audit for harbor financials for the three-year period of fiscal years 2022-2023, 2023–2024, and 2024–2025. The motion was passed. A motion was also made to reconfirm the Harbor Commission decision to stay with their original category 3 seasonal rate decision to the council. That motion was passed.

In new business, David Denboer, representing a group interested in starting a wine and food program, presented plans for an event at the harbor the week before Labor Day. According to Denboer, the event would be similar to the Leland Wine and Food Festival. He stated that he was presenting his ideas to determine a feasibility for the event. He estimates that the Elk Rapids event would include 22 vendors with 10 x 10 foot spaces near the harbor pavilion. The Denboer plan would plan for 152 parking spaces in the Cedar Street and marina parking lot. The plan would keep the marina ramp, wash bay, and driveways open. The commission provided verbal support to Denboer for the event.
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The next Harbor Commission meeting has been scheduled as a special meeting on January 5, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Government Building. 

ELK RAPIDS SCHOOLS
School Board Update

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Charlotte Ball, Rachel Bunner, Tyler Veliquette, Brett Graham, Dean, Bruce, and Chris Veliquette at the formal approval of the renaming of the ERHS soccer complex to the Gene & Dean Veliquette Soccer Complex. Courtesy photo
By Mark McAlpine, Contributing Writer    

The Elk Rapids School Board met for their regular meeting on Monday, December 8 in the high school library. All board members were present with the exception of Darryl Antcliff. Superintendent Bryan McKenna and Executive Assistant Kortni Huron attended and participated in the meeting. An amended agenda was approved.

The Veliquette family joined the meeting for a special presentation to formally dedicate the “Gene & Dean Veliquette Soccer Complex” at Elk Rapids High School. Athletic Director Brett Graham introduced Dean Veliquette and the dedication. 

“I am honored to recognize Gene and Dean Veliquette for their years of service and giving back to the soccer program and all of our athletes,” Graham stated before reading the dedication. “On December 8, 2025, Elk Rapids Schools formally approves the renaming of the Elk Rapids Schools soccer complex. This tribute recognizes decades of service and support for the high school soccer program.” Following the presentation, a motion was made to approve resolution 83-25, which officially renames the complex. The motion was passed. Graham concluded with an overview and results of the fall athletic activities.

A motion was made and passed to accept the consent agenda as submitted. That agenda included minutes from the November 10 board meeting, authorization to pay general funds, bond, capital, daycare, lunch fund, and trust account bills. The board used the consent agenda to announce a $1,000 contribution from The Bellaire Professional Center LLC for the Elk Rapids Band Boosters.

A lengthy list of personnel changes was also included in the consent agenda. The board accepted the resignation of Carrie Parks as a Paraprofessional at Lakeland Elementary, approved the hiring of Beanie Send and Lauren Merendino as paraprofessionals at Mill Creek Academy, approved the hiring of Stephanie Ewing as a cheerleading coach for Cherryland Middle School (CMS), approved the retirement of Roxanne Sarasin as head cook at Lakeland Elementary, approved the hiring of Nathan Butte as Facilities & Operations Supervisor for Elk Rapids Schools, approved the hiring of Kathryn Veith as Interim Lakeland Elementary Principal, approved the hiring of Melissa Bocardo as Administrative Assistant and Elaine Digiovanni as Lead Administrative Assistant at Lakeland Elementary.

In discussion items, the board held a first reading and adopted changes to board policies 39-2 and 40-1. Superintendent McKenna recommended that the board could enact a one reading adoption of the policy changes due to the minor updates, revisions and renewals made to the policies. 

In action items, the board approved a series of resolutions, including approval for the board policies. Resolution 79-25 approved the completion of the probationary period for teachers Katherine Theisen, Erin Paxson, and Linda McCarty. Resolution 77-25 approved a salary increase for Superintendent McKenna. Resolution 78-25 approved the list of coaches at Elk Rapids High School for fall of 2026. Resolutions 79-25 and 80-25 approved the board policy changes discussed in the meeting. Resolution 81-25 approved the administrative contract for Kathryn Veith. Resolution 82-25 approved the administrative contract for Nathan Butte. 

Holiday school schedules were released at the board meeting. A CMS Band Concert will be held on December 11. The Lakeland Holiday Concert will be held December 17. The Mill Creek Holiday Concert is scheduled for December 18. The District winter break is scheduled from December 20 through January 4. School will resume on January 5, 2026. The next board meeting and organizational meeting will be held on January 12, 2026. 

VILLAGE OF ELK RAPIDS
Planning Commission Meeting Update

By Mark McAlpine, Contributing Writer
 
The Elk Rapids Planning Commission met on December 9, 2025, for a special meeting. All commission members were present and welcomed William Cron as a new member on the commission. Village Manager David Tait attended and participated in the meeting. A short agenda with only two new business items was approved. Minutes from the October 28 meeting were presented and approved as submitted.

In new business, the commission voted to open a public hearing for the 2026 draft Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The CIP is required by the State as part of the annual budget. It details five years of proposed village capital projects over $10,000 with potential funding sources. Each department is responsible for providing their individual CIP, which is then combined into the final draft village CIP. The Planning Commission is responsible for the review and approval of the draft prior to the start of the budget process. The CIP process is a long-term guide and does not guarantee village approval or funding for individual projects. No public comment was received and the commission voted to close the public hearing. Following discussion, a motion was made and passed to approve the CIP draft and forward it to the council. 
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The Planning Commission set their 2026 meeting dates and times as a new business item. The commission will meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month in 2026 at 7:00 p.m. in the Government Building with the exception of the November and December meetings. The November meeting will be dropped. The December meeting will be held on December 8. The next Planning Commission meeting will be held on January 27, 2026, in the Government Building. 

VILLAGE OF ELK RAPIDS
Parks and Recreation Update

By Mark McAlpine, Contributing Writer
  
The Elk Rapids Parks and Recreation Commission met for their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, December 3 at the Memorial Park. It was announced that Chair Jeremy Cannon had resigned from the commission. Carol Heles filled in for the meeting. An amended agenda was approved. Minutes from the November 1 meeting were approved.
 
In addition to Heles, Beth Cron, Beth Guntzviller, Gordon Stewart, and Youth Ambassador Pierce McCarty were present at the meeting. Paula Moyer and Ryan Paxson were absent. A motion was made and passed to name Heles as the new chair for the Parks & Rec Commission. Gordan Stewart was approved for vice chair and Paula Moyer was approved as secretary. An announcement will be posted notifying the community that Parks and Rec will be taking applications for open commission positions.

It was confirmed that the Parks and Rec Commission has submitted a $110,000 budget request for 2026. The Village Council will begin their budget workshops in January. The ice-skating rink is being relocated from the Dam Shop to the Memorial Park tennis courts. Installation will start in mid-December. New liners were ordered and are ready for installation. The commission discussed a winter community event to announce the rink opening. It was reported that a group of downtown business owners were discussing plans for that event.

The commission discussed the need to change the Parks and Rec by-laws to include the Youth Ambassador position. Elk Rapids High School student Pierce McCarthy is currently serving in that role. Beth Cron was chosen to develop a by-law revision recommendation for commission review. 
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The next Parks and Rec meeting is scheduled for January 7, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. in the Government Center. 

ERHS choir at Regional Honors Choir

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Ashlen Burch and Elliot Mast at Regional Honors Choir last Saturday. Courtesy photo
On Saturday, December 4, Ashlen Burch and Elliott Mast from Elk Rapids High School participated in Regional Honors Choir in Caledonia. Students were selected from among hundreds of auditionees. They were required to prepare five choral pieces before attending a clinic with guest conductor and teacher Ashley Ward. Students worked with Mrs. Ward all day polishing pitches, rhythms, tone, blend and balance. The clinic culminated in a concert at the end of the day. Congratulations to Elliott and Ashlen!

​Save the date

Green Elk Rapids presents the award-winning documentary All Too Clear: Beneath the Surface of the Great Lakes. The documentary uses cutting edge technology to explore how the invasive quagga mussels are changing the Great Lakes eco-system at a scale not seen since the glaciers. Wednesday, January 14, 2026 – 5:00 p.m. doors open, concessions available, 6:00 p.m. screening. Elk Rapids Cinema, 205 River Street, Elk Rapids. $5 donation welcomed. Students attend free

The Latest from the Library

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Did You Know?
 
Way to Grow Tumble Time at Mill Creek: Join Miss Kate, Elk Rapids Schools and Great Start Collaborative for loads of fun and activities! Held in the Mill Creek school gym, it focuses on large and small motor skills development. Ages 0-5 and their caregivers for socializing! Wed 12/17 10:00-11:00 a.m. @ 9039 Old State Hwy 72.

​After School Drop-In: Gingerbread House Decorating Party: Friends 10+ are invited to build a graham cracker gingerbread house. All supplies provided. Drop in between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Wed 12/17.

Foodie Book Club Cookie Exchange:  Join us for a festive holiday cookie swap! Bring 2 dozen of your favorite homemade cookies or holiday dessert to share. Sign up at the library with your recipe. Wed, 12/17, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
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Last Call! We still have a few tags left on the library tree. Help us provide gifts for teens in need. Unwrapped gifts are due by Monday, December 15.
 
Upcoming Programs
  • Destination Storytime: Fri 12/12, 10:30-11:30 a.m. @Elk Rapids Cinema, 205 River St.
  • Chess Mondays: Mon 12/8, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
  • Tech Help: Tues 12/16, 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Thurs 12/18, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
  • Way to Grow Tumble Time: Wed 12/17, 10:00-11:00 a.m. @ Mill Creek
  • Foodie Book Club Cookie Exchange: Wed 12/17, 6:00-7:00 p.m. @Art & Connection
  • Puzzle Wednesdays: Wed 12/17, all day
  • After School Drop-In: Wed 12/17, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
  • Storytime: Thurs 12/18, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
  • ER Knitters: Thurs 12/18, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
  • Storytime: Fri 12/19, 10:30-11:30 a.m. 
All programs take place at the Island House Library unless otherwise noted. Questions? Call 231-264-9979 or visit elkrapidslibrary.org. Subscribe to our newsletter! elkrapidslibrary.org/newsletter