Caughtcha being Good!

Olivia Kribs, Garrett Barraw, Stella Barraw,  Parks White, Tyler Kribs, Emerson Collins​

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Olivia Kribs, Garrett Barraw,  Stella Barraw, Parks White, Tyler Kribs, Emerson Collins. Courtesy photo
Following one of the many snowstorms Elk Rapids and surrounding areas faced this winter, Kevin and Geney Heaton were delighted to see several children in their neighborhood helping to dig out sidewalks and porches. Noting how challenging getting through the snow had become, the Heatons said, “God bless our children and thank you for your kindness!” Caughtcha being GOOD, kids. Awesome job

ELK RAPIDS TOWNSHIP
​Elk Rapids Township Update

By Mark McAlpine, Contributing Writer  

The Elk Rapids Township Board met for their regular meeting on Monday, April 13 at the Government Center. All board members were present with the exception of Matt Soper. Township attorney Thad Morgan, Zoning Administrator Creston Scheel, and Brad Muma representing Performance Engineering attended and participated in the meeting.

The agenda was approved as presented. The consent agenda was accepted as presented. That agenda included minutes from the March 9 board and budget public hearing meetings, the Treasurer report, and an authorization to process payment for outstanding bills.

Antrim County Sheriff Kevin Hoch was not available for his report. Antrim County Commissioner Bill Hefferan provided his monthly report. Fire Department Chief Ken Williamson presented the MMR Ambulance Department and Fire Department monthly report.

Township Supervisor Dorance Amos presented Ordinance 2026-1 detailing the franchise renewal agreement with Great Lakes Energy Cooperative (GLE). Township Attorney Thad Morgan confirmed that GLE had agreed to renew with a 10-year contract. A motion was made and passed to accept the agreement as presented.

Amos led the board to an update on activities at Maple Grove Cemetery. Brad Muma, representing Performance Engineering, provided the results of a recent watermain bid for the cemetery. Muma explained that the bid was for a 4” water irrigation line with access points. He reported that there were four bidders with Kalkaska-based Matt’s Underground Construction listed as the low bidder at $48,520 for the project. A recommendation was made to award the bid to Matt’s Underground based on the bid amount and their quality reputation. A motion was made and passed to approve a contract to them for the project. Muma also announced, and confirmed by Amos, that the township had received a time-and-equipment $7,220 donation from Stuer Excavating for cemetery cleanup and a $9,000 water pipe material donation from Michigan Pipe and Valve for the cemetery project.

Township Treasurer Kelly Jensen provided an update on the annual insurance coverage review. Jensen indicated that the review with the current insurance agent had been completed. The township will maintain their current coverage with a 5% increase for the year.

Zoning Administrator Creston Scheel announced that he would be leaving his zoning administrator position for another opportunity. He will be replaced at the end of April by his father and planning and zoning business partner Jonathan Scheel. Scheel comes to Elk Rapids Township with over 25 years of planning and zoning experience in the northern Michigan area.

Township attorney Thad Morgan provided his report. It included an overview of work with Milton Township to finalize sewer hookups in the Kewadin and Elk Lake area. The joint township sewer line along Elk Lake was installed five years ago. Some Milton Township residents on the north side of Cherry Avenue did not hook up during the initial construction phase. With action from the March meeting, Elk Rapids Township requested Milton Township to fulfill an agreement to complete those final hookups within a five-year period. Morgan reported that Milton Township is preparing communications with the property owners to begin the process of requiring action relative to the five-year agreement.  

The next township board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 11, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in the Government Center.

Community Easter Egg Hunt

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Ayla, 7, from Elk Rapids, with Razor trike in the 6-8 age group. Courtesy photo
We would like to thank the many local businesses and generous individuals in our community who made this year’s Elk Rapids Community Easter Egg Hunt such a wonderful success! Because of your support and donations, we were able to provide an abundance of candy, floor prizes, and big-ticket prizes that brought so much joy to the children and families who attended. Your generosity truly helped create a fun, memorable experience for everyone involved.

We would also like to give a special thank you to local DJ Nick Vasquez for providing music and announcing for us this year. His energy helped make the Easter Egg Hunt even more enjoyable for all.
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Events like this are only possible because of the kindness and support of our amazing community. We are so grateful for each and every contribution. Thanks again for helping us make this year’s Easter Egg Hunt a great success! – Submitted by the Elk Rapids Community Easter Egg Hunt Organizers – Jennifer Anderson, Courtney Poniatoski, Victoria Baldwin and Kayla Tomei

Around Town
with Rob Ford

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Who doesn’t love a good story? 
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Tell me about your spring vacation. Well … I didn’t go anywhere this year.

Tell me a good joke. Well … A guy goes into a library and asks the librarian for a hamburger, French fries, and a soft drink. “This is a library, sir,” she replies. Whispering then, the guy says, “I’d like a hamburger, French fries…

Share with me an interesting anecdote about something that happened recently. Well … while subbing last week, a student asked me if I was related to famous automaker Henry Ford. I said, “No, but I may be the most famous Ford on our family’s branch of the Ford family tree.” (A reflection of the simplicity of my lineage more than a boast.) “Just Google my name but remember to add Elk Rapids because there was this other Rob Ford from Toronto.” Next thing I knew, the student was reading my “AI Overview,” which I found both interesting and creepy. Interesting in that the overview was totally correct, based upon things I’ve published over the years and public projects I’ve been involved with. Creepy because it felt like there was some gigantic force out there with a clipboard keeping track of and constantly updating my biography. Apparently, these-every-other week 600-word “stories” that I publish plus the various things I’ve done with HERTHA, Rotary, and the TART trail have been enough to catch the attention of AI. 

Anyway, those are just three examples of the kinds of stories that we love to tell one another. 

Here’s another story that you need to sit down and listen to. Actually, you need to buy a ticket to see it because it’s the Elk Rapids Players next show, Acting Can Be Murder, written by Eddie McPherson, and performed by a cast of 13 of your fellow Elk Rapidians. 

Continuing our story theme, here’s another interesting anecdote. When we were choosing a play to produce this spring, we were going back and forth between a comedy show and a murder mystery. Also, we wanted to do a play with a decent sized cast. The Elk Rapids Players, as part of the Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall’s new owners, HERTHA, have a new sense of urgency to grow and prosper, which means getting more people involved. With that in mind, we searched the online sources for “Large Cast Funny Murder Mysteries” and up popped this play. 

After auditions we ended up with a cast of seven veterans to our stage actors and six new faces – a perfect mix of people, each cast as characters that they’ve been working to develop since then. 

Come Friday night’s opening show, our stage will host not only a variety of those interesting characters, but folks from their own interesting walks of life. Our cast has IT guys, office workers, bartenders, radio hosts, teachers, stay at home dog moms, retired business executives, and grandmothers. A perfect amalgam of what community theater is all about. 

Tickets are available both online at elkrapids.booktix.com and at the door. Show dates are April 17,18,19 and 24, 25, 26. Curtain time for the evening shows is 7:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. for both Sunday matinees. Tickets are $20 for adults, and $15 for senior citizens and students. 

Acting Can Be Murder isn’t your ordinary murder mystery. It’s more of a spoof of the classic genre than anything else but at its heart it’s a funny story well told by the crazy characters in our cast. 

And seriously, who doesn’t like being told a good story?

NMC Hero Race  

Northwestern Michigan College Professional Communications students invite the community to join in the Hero Race, a family-friendly, superhero-themed event supporting the College for Kids program on April 18. The event aims to raise $5,000 for scholarships that help local youth attend NMC’s College for Kids summer programs. The event will take place on the NMC Front Street campus. Participants of all ages can choose from several race options:

One-mile fun run, 9 a.m. start time, free to join 
5K run, 10 a.m. start time, $30
10K run, 10 a.m. start time, $35
Packet pickup will take place April 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Timothy J. Innovation Center. To register or learn more, visit nmcherorace.com.

VILLAGE OF ELK RAPIDS
​Harbor Commission Update

By Mark McAlpine, Contributing Writer

The Elk Rapids Harbor Commission held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, April 13 at the Government Center. All commissioners were present for the meeting. Village President Tom Stephenson and Village Manager David Tait attended the meeting. Minutes from the January 5 and March 9 meeting were approved. 

Harbormaster Mike Singleton provided his staff report and answered questions from the commission. Singleton reported that the RFP for the underground storage tank replacement is out and due May 5 at 10 a.m. The engineering report and drawings from Edgewater for the upper harbor improvements have been completed and ready for commission review. Commission Chair Jim Bryant asked to clarify the availability of harbor parking passes without slip numbers on them. That request was made for security reasons to protect the privacy of slip holders. Singleton confirmed that those parking passes are available. A commissioner asked about the current wait list. Singleton confirmed that the current wait list includes 450 applicants. 

The harbor finance report was submitted in the commission packet and discussed. Commissioner Bob Strehl confirmed that there was $900,000 in the capital reserve fund. Strehl highlighted that the harbor is expected to return to profitability this year after a couple of years in the red and budget cost cuts for the new fiscal year that started March 1, 2026. 

In unfinished business, the commission reviewed budget items and DNR harbor rates. Bryant confirmed that $304,000 that was incorrectly transferred to the Wastewater Treatment Plant financials during the chart of accounts realignments in 2024 has been returned to the harbor funds with $19,000 of interest payments earned since that transfer. Bryant led a discussion on the 2026-2027 budget. Questions regarding budget payroll levels, village cost allocations to the harbor, and communications with the village were discussed. A motion was made to form a three-member harbor commission budget committee. That motion was passed. Michele Spillane, Bob Strehl, David Cookson, and Harbormaster Mike Singleton were chosen as members on the committee. 

The commission held further discussions on the errors causing the village transfer of the $304,000 capital reserve funds. In the December 8 Harbor Commission meeting, a motion was passed to request a forensic audit of the harbor funds to answer budget and cash flow questions. Following a discussion of the need for a forensic audit, a motion was made to rescind the December 8 audit request vote. That motion was passed. 

Bryant led the commission to a discussion related to the slip rates for the Upper Harbor 26 slip holders in section 1. Those slip holders had received their annual slip rate contract and invoice showing a major increase from a DNR category 3 rate of $1,430 to a category 8 rate of $2,585 per season paid by the lower harbor slip holders. The section 1 slip holders historically received a lower rate due to the lack of electric service, other docking amenities, and sidewalk in disrepair. Following public comment, and lengthy commission discussion, a motion was made to reduce the invoiced rate for the section 1 slip holders to the DNR category 6 rate of $1,870 for the 2026 season.
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The May meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 11 at 6:30 p.m.

ELK RAPIDS SCHOOLS
School Board Update

By Mark McAlpine, Contributing Writer

The Elk Rapids School Board met for their regular meeting on Monday, April 13, 2026. All board members were present with the exception of Jennifer Brown. Superintendent Bryan McKenna, Executive Assistant Kortni Huron, and Acting Director of Finance Beverly Mobley attended and participated in the meeting. An amended agenda was approved. 

The board accepted two special presentations. Athletic Director Brett Graham provided a spotlight on the winter sports activity. The boys’ basketball team was highlighted for their second straight 20-win season and division championship. Students from the Cherryland Middle School provided an overview of the Student Leaders Achieve More (SLAM) program. SLAM is a student government and leadership organization promoting student growth, school spirit, and community engagement.

The consent agenda was approved by the board as presented. It included the minutes from the March 9 regular meeting, an authorization to make general fund, capital and bond payments and multiple personnel changes. June retirements were announced and approved. Linda Dart, Lead Preschool Teacher at Lakeland Elementary, Teacher Julie Greene, and Teacher Susan Flores will retire in June 2026. The board accepted the resignation of Macy Piner as a teacher at the Elk Rapids High School effective June 5, and Chris O’Connell as JV football coach effective April 8, 2026.

Under action item 126-26, Superintendent Bryan McKenna presented the 2026-2027 district calendar. The calendar includes a September 1 starting date for the new school year. That pre-Labor Day start will require final approval from the State with a Labor Day waiver. According to McKenna, most state school districts are opting for a one-year waiver due to the September 7 Labor Day in 2026. A motion was made and passed to approve the calendar.

The board approved a contract with Ritsema Associates to provide carpeting for the high school under resolution 127-26. According to McKenna, Ritsema was chosen due to their performance history under previous contracts. An audit agreement with UHY / Maner Costerisan for the 2025-2026 year was approved under resolution 128-26. An overnight trip for the Cherryland Middle School 7th grade was approved under resolution 129-26. 

McKenna led the board to a review of a new 2026 - 2029 Inter-District Cooperative Open Enrollment agreement that would allow the board, if it chose to do so, to restart open enrollment in the district. According to McKenna, schools of choice open enrollment was frozen two years ago as the district dealt with the realities of being out-of-formula. The new agreement gives the board the discretion to selectively open schools of choice with the goal of maintaining 100 student graduates through the years. 

McKenna also announced that the district had received a $40,000 split fund grant for preschool programming. Acting Finance Director Beverly Mobley presented the district financial report. According to McKenna, Mobley is assisting the district following the resignation of Laurie McCann earlier in 2026. Mobley has over 30 years of experience in school financing. 

The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 11.

Q&A with Local Businesses
Tinker Tailor

How long have you been in business:
In a resort town where the streets often quiet down as the snow begins to fall, one downtown business is proving that versatility is the key to longevity. Tinker Tailor, located at 125 River Street, has officially marked three years in its downtown location, defying the seasonal challenges that often shutter small businesses during the northern Michigan winters.

What is unique about your business:
What makes Tinker Tailor unique is its “all-in-one” approach to fashion and service. By combining a contemporary clothing boutique with professional services, the shop remains open six days a week, all year round. Visitors can browse modern styles in the main boutique or descend to the lower level to discover “The Dress Vault,” a specialized department offering both new and consignment formal wear for weddings, proms, and special occasions.

What products/services do you have that others don’t:
The business also fills a critical gap in the regional market by offering expert alterations. “Experienced and professional alterations services are getting harder to find,” the owner, Rachele Cummings, noted. We bring 30 years of professional sewing experience to the Elk Rapids and Traverse City area.

What don’t we know about you or your business:
Beyond retail and sewing, Tinker Tailor serves as a practical hub for locals, offering menswear rentals through Jim’s Formal Wear, and acting as a convenient drop-off and pick-up point in Elk Rapids for dry cleaning services by Master Dry Cleaners.
Tinker Tailor  |  125 River Street, Elk Rapids  |  231-409-7498

“We Are-ER!” Dinner Auction 

Elk Rapids Schools’ “We Are-ER!” Dinner Auction Committee is gearing up for another special event! Returning three years ago, the auction has raised over $100K in support of district-wide athletics, arts, music, and educational programs. This year’s event will have a Country Western Theme and will take place on Saturday, May 2, at the Turtle Creek Casino and Hotel.

From these proceeds, Mrs. Laura Jackson has been serving as our head athletic trainer for almost two years now. She supports student-athletes and teams throughout the district by helping with rehab, injury care, and injury prevention. Her presence has been extremely valuable to help our student-athletes excel and stay safe.  

Laura has 30 years of experience as an Athletic Trainer. She earned her undergraduate degree from Western Michigan University, where she worked in the athletic training program until graduation and became a certified athletic trainer. She has a master’s degree in exercise physiology through a graduate assistantship with The Cleveland Clinic and Cleveland State University. After completing her degree, she returned to Michigan and worked as an athletic trainer at a physical therapy clinic in Petoskey. She spent a few years living and working in Adrian. Seeking a change of pace, she moved back north and became a Clinical Research Coordinator before accepting the position with Elk Rapids Schools.

When asked what she enjoys about her role as an athletic trainer, “I like helping athletes work through injuries and figuring out ways to improve the situation—especially if I can teach them a few tricks before they lose interest, lol!”

When asked what she would like to share about ERHS from her short time as our athletic trainer, she said, “I have been truly impressed by the ethics and leadership demonstrated by coaches and administrators in supporting young athletes. Whether at the state soccer finals or a JV basketball game, they prioritize the well-being and development of their players. The values they instill—discipline, teamwork, and integrity—are far more important than any win or loss.”
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This is one positive impact of the “We Are-ER!” Dinner Auction has had on Elk Rapids Schools! We hope to see you on Saturday, May 2, at the Turtle Creek Casino and Hotel! To purchase tickets, please go to: /www.erschools.com/district/services/we-are-er-dinner-auction/.                            

The Latest from the Library

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Our Volunteer Social - Earth Day Edition is heading outdoors—and trust us, you won’t want to miss what we have planned! Sorting seeds, cleaning up the grounds, fixing up the free library and more! Sun 4/19, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Family Fun Day - a free, fun-filled day of play and community! Hosted by YMCA Hayo-Went-Ha Camps and Great Start Collaborative Traverse Bay, featuring music from Miriam Pico and Jen Strauss, arts and crafts and a free lunch. We encourage bringing a non-perishable food item to donate. Ms. Kate will see you there!

4/18 10 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Torch Lake 919 NE Torch Lake Dr, Central Lake 
Join us for an interactive Stress Management class with Diane Butler, RN and holistic health expert. Discover what stress really does to your body—and walk away with practical tools like breathwork, meditation, and guided imagery you can use right away. Register at the library or email [email protected] Thu 4/23 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Seed Library is open!

Upcoming Programs:
•    Storytime at the Library: Fri 4/17, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
•    Family Fun Day: Sat 4/18 10 a.m.-2 p.m. @Hayo-Went-Ha Torch Lake
•    Sunday Knitters: Sun 4/19, 2:00-3:30 p.m.
•    Monthly Volunteer Social: Sun 4/19 4:00-6:00 p.m.
•    Chess Mondays: Mon 4/20, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
•    Tech Help: Tues 4/21, 10:30 a.m.-12:00p.m. and Thurs 4/23, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
•    Storytime at the Library: Thurs 4/23, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
•    Stress Management Class: Thurs 4/23 5:00-6:00 p.m.
•    ER Knitters: Thurs 4/23, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
•    Storytime at the Library: Fri 4/24, 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.
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