Elk Rapids News and Features | Elk Rapids, Michigan

Caughtcha being Good!

Bill & Laura Wolfington

Bill Wolfington with his “Prop” bets board. Courtesy photo

At a Super Bowl party hosted by Bill and Laura Wolfington, guests turned friendly football wagers into a $200 donation to the Elk Rapids Harbor Days Association, with proceeds going to the Zambelli Fireworks fund. The Wolfingtons and their guests, many of whom are boaters and active members of the Elk Rapids Yacht Club, all jumped at the chance to donate their winnings to the fireworks fund.

As the newly elected president of the Elk Rapids Harbor Association, Michele Spillane has been in a mad panic to raise funds for the 2026 festival and in particular for the fireworks. Therefore, she was delighted the Monday after the Super Bowl to find a note from Bill Wolfington explaining that they and their party guests had generously decided to donate their winnings to the association. “With fireworks costs up $6,000 this year to a total of $31,500, their generosity – and the continued support of the Elk Rapids Yacht Club – truly reflects our community spirit. Every little bit counts!” said Michele Spillane. Many thanks to Bill and Laura Wolfington and their Super Bowl guests for their donation!

Elk Rapids Chamber of Commerce
Chamber welcomes new ownership of Elk Rapids News

Kristie Wolgamott, publisher (holding scissors), and husband, Matt Wolgamott, with news team members Rob Ford, columnist; Elizabeth Aseritis, editor; Kim Eardley, photographer; Tim Peterson, sportswriter; all surrounded and supported by family, friends, and community members. Courtesy photo

The Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on March 5 to celebrate the new ownership of Elk Rapids News — a long-established and important part of our community.

It was wonderful to see such a great crowd gathered, including family, friends, community members, and supporters who came out to mark this exciting new chapter. Elk Rapids News has been keeping our community informed for years, and we’re excited to see it continue under new leadership.

Congratulations to the new owner, Kristie Wolgamott – Hometown Publications and thank you to everyone who helped celebrate the beginning of this next chapter. 212 River St., Elk Rapids. 231-264-6670.

Publisher's Note

I was blown away by the community’s support at our ribbon cutting last Thursday. Thank you to everyone that came out to celebrate my new ownership and the next chapter of the Elk Rapids News. We received many well wishes and flowers to mark the occasion. Our office is looking like spring! A special thank you to Laura Savoie and the rest of the Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce for putting it together and to my incredible staff and family for all your support.

Almost 18 years ago, I walked through the doors of the Elk Rapids News for the first time. I was a part-time graphic designer, and I quickly learned that this isn’t just a newspaper, it is the heartbeat of our town.

For nearly two decades, I’ve seen this paper keep us informed and connected as a community. I want to thank Kathleen Weitschat for her years of leadership and for trusting me to carry her legacy forward. She is and will be greatly missed.

As I take on this new role as owner, my mission remains the same: to ensure that the Elk Rapids News stays rooted in the day-to-day realities of our community. We are more than just a business – we are a platform for your voices and a guardian of our local history.

I also want to take a moment to thank our current and continued advertisers. Your constant support makes this paper possible. Because of your investment in local journalism, we are able to print and deliver the Elk Rapids News to homes and businesses throughout the area each week. Supporting this paper means supporting the entire community, and we are truly grateful for the businesses that choose to advertise with us.

Over the last few months, I have talked to many of you and listened to your suggestions for the paper. In conversation I realized that not everyone knows what it actually takes to print and deliver each issue. I feel this is the perfect time to explain the process.

The Elk Rapids News is not a subscription-based paper. We mail it for free every week using Every Door Direct Mail, which means we purchase postal routes, so the paper reaches every home and business on those routes. Currently, we buy routes from six post offices: Elk Rapids, Alden, Eastport, Kewadin, Rapid City, and Williamsburg. We also offer paid subscriptions for readers who live outside these routes and still want to receive the paper each week.

The size of each week’s paper is determined by revenue from advertising, classifieds, legal notices, and obituaries. That revenue covers all of our operating costs: printing, mailing, writers, photographers, rent, and everything else required to run the office. For those who choose to participate, another source of income comes each June, during the paper’s anniversary, when we send out a voluntary subscription envelope to help offset postage costs for the paper’s current routes. I plan to continue this tradition that was started by Kathleen so many years ago.

The cost of printing and mailing the paper continues to rise, but we remain committed to keeping advertising rates as affordable as possible. To help manage expenses, I have switched printers and adjusted the paper’s size. Despite increasing production costs, advertising rates have been raised only a few times since the paper’s first edition in 2005.

I truly enjoy hearing your ideas about what you’d like to see in the paper. Many wonderful stories have come from your suggestions, and I will always do my best to include as much as possible. Please feel free to reach out anytime with story ideas, or if you’d like to advertise your business or an upcoming event.

The Elk Rapids News is about our community. It reflects the people, businesses, and stories that make our area such a special place to call home. I’m honored to continue this work and grateful for the support that allows us to keep sharing the stories that connect us all.

Kristie Wolgamott, Publisher
Elk Rapids News

Kids Fish Day Challenge

Two youngsters hold Perch caught at Trout Pond in Bellaire. Courtesy photo

“Wow, look at this big fish on my line,” a young child, with a huge smile, shouts as a rainbow trout squirms on the end of their rod. This was the scene the Bellaire Conservation Club members envisioned back in the 1970s when they planned their first Kids Fish Day. The members of the club strove to encourage respect and love for nature through the sport of fishing.

This year’s Kids Fish Day on April 25, 2026 is free to all 14-year-olds and younger. The event gets children outside and away from their phones, computers, iPads, tablets, TikTok, TV, and Nintendo games. Over the last four years, Kids Fish Day was attended by Bellaire kids as well as children from 20 counties in Michigan and 47 cities, towns, and villages. Another benefit of this program is that residents of Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility can fish and enjoy the outdoors. The club also offers several Community Senior Citizen Fish Days, as well as other programs for kids and adults throughout the year.

For almost 50 years on the last Saturday in April, Bellaire Conservation Club stocked Meadow Brook Pond in Bellaire with rainbow trout. In past years, fish were supplied from Jordon River National Fish Hatchery at no cost. The all-volunteer club would buy bait, prizes, loaner fishing poles, and some additional fish for Kids Fish Day.

Unfortunately, fish are no longer available through any national or state program. This year the club is faced with purchasing over a thousand fish at $5-$7 per trout from private hatcheries. They need help to continue offering this program to kids.

If you have a great memory of catching a fish on Kids Fish Day, or watched your children and grandchildren experience the thrill of landing a fish, please consider donating to Kids Fish Day.

Please send your donation to Bellaire Conservation Club, P.O. Box 177, 4820 Stover Rd. Bellaire, Michigan 49615.

If you have any questions, please email: [email protected]. Text submitted by Lori Sak

Rick Whisler is Elk Rapids Fire Fighter of the Year

Fire Fighter Rick Whisler with Fire Chief Ken Williamson. Courtesy photo

Each year the members of the Elk Rapids Fire Department vote to name one of their own “Fire Fighter of the Year.” This coveted award is given to the fire fighter that most portrays the department’s commitment of service to the community, fellow fire fighters and self. This year’s recipient is Fire Fighter Rick Whisler. FF Whisler joined ERFD in 2022 and during this time has answered a plethora of calls for service to our community. Rick has spent many hours training over the last couple of years and has completed his Firefighter 1&2 curriculum as well as attaining his HAZMAT certification. Rick has been very active at all our community events and is always willing to help out whenever needed. Rick also serves as the secretary for our firefighter’s association.

Rick is truly dedicated to his community, and we are very lucky to have him on our team! Congratulations to Fire Fighter Rick Whisler for being chosen as 2025’s Fire Fighter of the Year!

Victim Service Unit receives donation

Members of the Antrim Women’s Alliance with Antrim County Sheriff Kevin S. Hoch. Courtesy photo

The Antrim Women’s Alliance recently donated $500 to the Antrim County Sheriff’s Victim Service Unit (VSU).

The VSU provides short-term comfort and compassionate assistance to those struggling to cope with the loss of a loved one or the aftermath. Victim Services Teams are trained by the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association and directed by the local sheriff’s office. Victim Services advocates/volunteers are recruited from within Antrim County/community. The Michigan Sheriffs’ Association conducts a 20-hour training session that covers subjects such as the five stages of grief, effective communication techniques, and law enforcement protocols.

When requested by Central Dispatch, a team of two advocates arrives on the scene to provide comfort and assistance to those struggling to cope with the loss of a loved one or the aftermath.

“I am grateful for the amazing ladies at the Antrim Women’s Alliance,” said Antrim County Sheriff Kevin S. Hoch. He went on to say that “the VSU volunteers are an amazing group. They bring compassion to the community of Antrim County.”

ELK RAPIDS TOWNSHIP
Elk Rapids Township Update

By Mark McAlpine, Contributing Writer

The Elk Rapids Township Board met for their regular meeting on Monday, March 9 at the Government Center. All board members were present. Township attorney Thad Morgan 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 February 9 board meeting and February 10 budget workshop, the zoning and treasurer’s report, authorization to proceed with budget adjustments and pay current bills.

Antrim County Sheriff Kevin Hoch provided his February activity 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.

In the first item of business, the board reviewed a request from Poniatoski Townline Storage to approve street names for the development. The project had previously been approved by the Planning Commission. The requested street names were North Gateway, South Gateway, Luxstor Drive, and Lucullan Drive. A motion was made and passed to approve the street names.

The board passed a motion to set meeting dates for fiscal year 2026 / 2027. The meetings will continue to be the second Monday of each month at 9:00 a.m. in the Elk Rapids Government Center. The October meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 13 due to October 12 Columbus Day holiday. The board also approved a motion to name Elk Rapids News as the newspaper of record for the same fiscal year.

A list of fiscal year budget resolutions were brought to the board for action. Resolution 2026-3 authorized the fiscal year supervisor salary and benefit package. Resolutions 2026-4, 2026-5, and 2026-6 authorized the same for the treasurer, clerk, and trustees. Motions to approve those resolutions were passed. Resolution 2026-7 authorized the annual and hourly pay schedules for the township staff. A motion for that resolution was passed. Resolution 2026-8 Appropriation Act for the 2026 / 2027 budget was introduced and approved. Resolution 2026-09 to impose a property tax administration fee was approved. Resolution 2026-10 setting new cemetery rates was approved.

A proposed fiscal year budget of $116,000 for improvements to Maple Grove Cemetery was introduced by Supervisor Dorance Amos. The improvement plan includes tree removal not to exceed $10,000, greenbelt trees not to exceed $7,500, new water mains not to exceed $75,000, and cemetery mapping not to exceed $23,500. Following a discussion of each item, a motion was made to approve the cemetery project budget.

In township announcements, the March Board of Review meetings were set for March 9 between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. and March 10 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

In his attorney report, Thad Morgan provided an update on recent Michigan Senate legislation introduced to create a statewide septic code. Morgan also summarized his work on a coop contract renewal with Great Lakes Energy and communications with Milton Township to resolve sewer connection compliance issues with Milton Township residents.

The next township board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 13, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in the Government Center.

ELK RAPIDS SCHOOLS
School Board Update

By Mark McAlpine, Contributing Writer

The Elk Rapids School Board met for their regular meeting on Monday, March 9, 2026. All board members were present with the exception of Tara Kribs. Superintendent Bryan McKenna, Executive Assistant Kortni Huron, and Director of Finance Laurie McCann attended and participated in the meeting. The agenda was approved as submitted.

The board took a presentation from high school principal Jack Young who introduced members of his staff and student Easton Merchant who participates in theatre productions. Recently, the group successfully presented the musical Seven Brides and Seven Brothers. Merchant, who has been involved in the production side since the sixth grade, was the student technical director for the performance. The board also made a special presentation to board member Sherry Stephen who recently received her Public Advocacy Certificate.

The consent agenda was presented, and a motion was made and passed to accept that agenda as presented. It included minutes from the February 9 regular board meeting, authorization to pay general funds, capital, and bond bills. The consent agenda also included several personnel changes. The board accepted the resignation of Sandy Jansen as equestrian coach for the high school. The board approved the hiring of Jesse Starr as a bus driver, Michelle White as a paraprofessional at Mill Creek Academy and Sara Waterman as a special education paraprofessional at Lakeland Elementary.

In action items, the board approved a contract renewal for food services company Chartwells K12 under resolution 113-26. The board approved a Cherryland Middle School (CMS) roof replacement contract with Arrow Roofing and Sheet Metal, LLC under resolution 114-26. A motion was made and passed to approve a revised general fund budget. Resolution 116-26 was presented and approved for the 27L Education Stipend for staff members. The last action item was a motion to approve an amended food service budget. That motion was approved.

In discussion items, Superintendent McKenna led the board to an update for ongoing work related to a public perception survey and low-level discussion with a public relations firm. That firm is being considered for a contract to assist the district on public relations projects. McKenna followed those discussions with a bond and calendar update. He reported that the district has passed an important state inspection for CMS. He indicated that the district expects to begin moving into the new parts of CMS next week. McKenna announced that he will have 2026 / 2027 calendar update recommendations for the board at the next meeting.

Following committee reports, the board voted to enter closed session to discuss lawyer client privileged information. The meeting was adjourned following the return from closed session.

The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 13.

Words of Faith
Blessed Lent to you all!

These days of Lent encourage us Christians to discipline and repentance. It is all too clear how humanity is broken and how we are in need of a savior. And that is the hope of our actions during this season of increased prayer, fasting and alms giving. It is the hope that our Lord provides all that we need. As Saint Paul says to the Romans, “…we boast in hope of the glory of God! And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” To boast in hope is to believe that we are loved, and that God’s power is at work within us. Even in our fallen human nature that seems to struggle to do what is right we can trust that the grace of God overcomes all things. Through our actions and discipline during this season of Lent we are able to sharpen and hone our “boasting.” It is not bragging, it is living in Faith, Hope and Love. It is living Jesus! In order to do this, we must set aside our own pride and allow God’s grace to bring us to humility, which is the posture of receiving from God all that He desires to give us. In the past couple of years, I have had so many meetings with young adults who are seeking something more. As one said recently, “I just desire discipline and something more than entertainment.” Young people want to do something hard, and they find that rigor in the fasting and prayer that Christians have always held so dear over the course of the centuries.

Recent articles in the national news have indicated that there is a significant increase of conversions to orthodoxy and Catholicism. They say that this is due to the reverence and the discipline that is associated with the liturgy. It makes sense when we see that what the world has to offer is fleeting and isn’t founded on the supernatural. To encounter the Lord in the mystery of liturgical worship is at the core of the Christian tradition. In the year 350, Saint Basil the Great said, “Here we see all overweening pride laid low. Humanity, there is nothing left for you to boast of, for your boasting and hope lie in putting to death all that is your own and seeking the future life that is in Christ. Since we have its first fruits we are already in its midst, living entirely in the grace and gift of God.”

Let us live the first fruits which we are already in the midst of. These are first fruits offered through the grace of the sacraments and the gift of Christ in His Holy Church.

In Living Hope,
Fr. Jarvis

Rev. Christopher Jarvis is the Pastor of Christ the King Catholic Church in Acme and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elk Rapids. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Spring Arbor University, a bachelor’s in Philosophy and Theology from the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus Ohio, and a Licentiate in Theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.

AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship

The AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship of $1,000 was established to recognize the need and reward academic achievement of applicants. Scholarship application(s) will be judged and awarded in May. To qualify, you must be a current member of the AMVETS Auxiliary or Sons of AMVETS Post 114; a member’s spouse, child or grandchildren are also eligible. Individuals who do not meet the member or family of a member category are eligible to apply if sponsored by a Ladies Auxiliary member of Post 114. Applicant must be a 2026 Elk Rapids High school or Sunrise Academy graduate. Completed application and recommendation letters must be postmarked no later than May 1, 2026, and mailed to Sherry Steffen, P.O. Box 591, Elk Rapids, MI 49629 or email to [email protected]

Free online mental health first aid courses

North Country Community Mental Health (NCCMH) announced its 2026 free online Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training schedule for the community.

MHFA is a public education program that teaches the skills needed to identify, understand, and respond to signs of behavioral health challenges or crises. First Aid is given until appropriate supports are received.

The evidence-based, early-intervention MHFA course is designed for people with little to no knowledge of mental health issues, and is a beneficial tool for employers, human resource professionals, faith-based leaders, first responders, community groups, teachers, coaches, and others.

Mental health problems covered in the course include substance abuse, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and psychotic disorders. Crisis situations covered in the course include suicidal behavior, overdoses, panic attacks, reactions to traumatic events, and psychotic episodes.

Anyone can attend a MHFA course, and its techniques can be used with friends and family just as with acquaintances or strangers.

The adult MHFA course will be offered virtually by NCCMH clinicians on May 1 and August 14. The eight-hour course will be held on Zoom from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Register and find more information at norcocmh.org/mental-health-first-aid, or call 231-439-1288 or email [email protected].

Seeking nominations for 2026 Outstanding Educator Awards

Northwest Education Services (North Ed), in collaboration with Traverse Connect and TBA Credit Union, is seeking nominations from the community and school districts in the five-county region for outstanding educators and educational support staff.

Outstanding Educator Awards are presented annually to teachers, administrators and school support staff throughout Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau counties who make exceptional contributions toward the education of students.

Schools and community members are encouraged to nominate outstanding individuals from local public, private and parochial school districts. Nominees should have a minimum of five years of experience in education, contribute to the academic success of students, connect learning with community engagement, and work collaboratively with educators throughout the North Ed service area to support teaching and learning. Each nomination must include a letter of support from the nominee’s supervisor as well as supporting documents from colleagues, parents and students. The letters of support will be used by a panel of judges in selecting the 2026 honorees. Nominations are due April 10, 2026.

Eligibility guidelines and nomination forms are available on the North Ed website. NorthwestEd.org

An awards ceremony will be held in-person at the City Opera House in Traverse City on Wednesday, June 3. For further information about the regional Outstanding Educator Awards, contact Heather Jewell, Communications Specialist, at 231-922-6222 or email [email protected]

The Latest from the Library

Did You Know?
Kids’ Shamrock Scavenger Hunt! Search the library for 10 hidden shamrocks now through the 17th. Find them all, bring your sheet to the desk, and claim your prize!

Plant Cutting Swap! Grow your collection all month long! Bring a healthy cutting from your favorite houseplant and swap it for something new. Stop by anytime in March to leave a cutting, take a cutting, or both.

Help Us Stock the Seed Library! Do you have extra flower, veggie, or herb seeds from last season? Donate them to share with fellow gardeners. Drop them off anytime and help our community grow!

Mark your calendars: Denim & Diamonds: A Design Presentation & Celebration! Grab your favorite jeans, sparkly jewelry and join us as we celebrate the design phase of our new library. Hear a quick update from Library Director Pam Williams, then stay to mingle, ask questions, and celebrate the exciting plans ahead! Tickets are $30. Thurs, April 16, 5:30 p.m. @Ethanology

No Storytime March 19–20
Instead, try Tumble Time at Mill Creek Academy on Wednesday 3/18 – free, fun play for kids birth to 5!

Upcoming Programs:
•   Storytime: Fri 3/13 10:30-11:30 a.m.
•   Sunday Knitters Club: Sun 3/15, 2:00-3:30 p.m.
•   Chess Mondays: Mon 3/16, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
•   Tech Help: Tues 3/17, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and Thurs 3/19, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
•   Tumble Time: Wed 3/18, 10:00-11:00 a.m. @Mill Creek Academy
•   ER Knitters: Thurs 3/19, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
•   **No After School Program 3/18**

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