Elk Rapids News and Features | Elk Rapids, Michigan

Caughtcha being Good!

Sue Schumacher

Photo by Kristie Wolgamott

Sue Schumacher exemplifies the spirit of Caughtcha being GOOD repeatedly! Whether it be the PTA, Band Boosters, Art Rapids, Harbor Voices or the Elk Rapids Players, she has always been the go-to person to get something done. Audiences attending performances by the Elk Rapids Players may have seen her on stage as a Pigeon sister, Bloody Mary, Clara Johnson or in several other roles. But, according to Marcy Ford, it’s behind the scenes where she is just as valuable helping with props, costumes, and feeding everyone, often from her own pocketbook. She even provided the framed posters from ERP productions as well as the late Joni Braun artwork that adorns the HERTHA building. In recent years the ER Players have been writing and hosting monthly trivia nights in the off-season. Sue always arrives early to set up tables and chairs. She is the main door prize wrangler, again, at her own expense. Thank you, Sue, your help and kindness are invaluable and very much appreciated!

ANTRIM COUNTY
Regional Training Exercise

Antrim County Office of Emergency Management, in collaboration with the Michigan National Guard, is hosting a joint emergency management exercise at Antrim County Airport on Sunday, June 1, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. The goal is to improve emergency response capabilities and coordination among local, state, and federal agencies in the event of an emergency situation.

A number of agencies will be involved, which will provide a collaborative environment to practice interagency coordination. There will be an increased number of emergency vehicles and personnel in the area during the exercise. To ensure a successful exercise, the public is encouraged to watch and take pictures from a safe distance.

Elk Rapids Chamber of Commerce Chamber welcomes new business

The Elk Rapids Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the official kickoff of the public fundraising campaign and unveiling of the new sign for the Future Elk Rapids District Library located at 8980 Cairn Hwy in Elk Rapids. The new sign reflects the message of the Capital Campaign, which is “A Library for Everybody.” For more information, visit elkrapidslibrary.org.

Elk Rapids District Library Executive Director, Pam Williams, surrounded by library staff, board members, and Friends of the ERDL. Courtesy photo

VILLAGE OF ELK RAPIDS
Village Council Update

By Mark McAlpine, Contributing Writer

The Elk Rapids Village Council met for a regular meeting on Tuesday, May 21 at the Government Center. All council members were present. Interim Village Manager Jae Guetschow, Village Clerk Leah Moskovitz, and Village Treasurer Kristine Davis attended and participated in the meeting.

An amended meeting agenda was approved. A motion was made and approved to accept the consent agenda as submitted. The consent agenda included minutes from special council meetings on April 29 and May 6, minutes from the Harbor Commission meetings on March 18 and April 14, Elk Rapids District Library Board meeting on March 13, Planning Commission meeting on February 25, Parks and Rec Commission meeting on April 5, Harbor Workshop meeting on April 17 and DDA meeting on April 9. The consent agenda also included authority to process bill payments and payroll, acceptance of the financial reports and written staff reports and the approval a request from AMVETS for a Memorial Day Parade.

Guetschow presented the Village Manager report. Following discussion, the council approved a motion to accept the report. Other department reports were received from Alex Pray, DPW Superintendent, and Lane Peterson, Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor. Council liaison reports were presented for all of the commissions.

In unfinished business, with the participation of a representative from HR consultant Yeo & Yeo, the Village Council moved one step forward to filling the vacant village manager position. On Friday, May 16, the council and staff members completed interviews with four leading candidates for that position. Following discussion related to the preferred and proper procedure to follow and with a unanimous vote using a ballot process, the council chose one candidate as their preferred choice for the position. The names of all four candidates were released and a motion was approved to authorize the village president and Yeo & Yeo to begin discussions to formerly offer the position to the chosen candidate. Because the interviews with the candidate were on Zoom, it was recommended that the candidate visit Elk Rapids for those discussions.

Also, in unfinished business, Village President Tom Stephenson led the council to a discussion of a need to review all committee progress. Stephenson stated that some committees are running well, several committees have completed their work while others have struggled achieving goals or have disbanded. It was decided to begin that committee review at the next council meeting.

A general discussion was also held related to disbandment of the Housing Coalition and a $50,000 grant awarded to the village by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) for that work. Stephenson recommended that communications were necessary with MSHDA related to the grant options. The possible involvement of Housing North in housing-related projects using the grant funds was discussed. It was decided to ask Housing North to review the grant requirement and recommend a course of action for the village.

The need to develop an events ordinance was discussed in unfinished business. That discussion was opened based on concerns that not all groups are following the same process and procedures when requesting events in the village. The council discussion included the need for all groups to provide insurance coverage and certificates for their event to cover village liabilities in case of an accident.

Several new resolutions were brought to the council in new business. Resolution 2025-09 was presented by Village Treasurer Kristine Davis. According to Davis, the resolution is an annual review and action to opt out of certain employee benefit caps recommended by the state. A motion was made and passed to take the opt-out actions. Resolution 2025-30 was presented by Davis and DDA Executive Director John Mach. The motion authorizes the use of a department head credit card with a credit limit of $5,000 by Mach for miscellaneous budgeted expenses that do not require prior council approval. A motion was made and passed to approve the issuance of the card for the use of the DDA Executive Director. Resolution 2025-31 was passed to authorize the Parks and Rec Commission to purchase new benches for Memorial Park to replace older wooden benches. Resolution 2025-32 was passed to accept the recommended installation and construction contracts for the 2025 Wayfinding project from the DDA. In the resolution, the DDA indicated that one of the US31 gateway signs was outside its district and could not be made with DDA funds. The DDA proposed to pay Rotary Park landscaping costs in a swap with the village to cover the cost of new gateway sign. The swap does not require any additional funding from the village. A motion was made and approved to authorize the contracts and approve the proposed expense swap.

Also, in new business, the council discussed the need for a review and creation of a new policy to cover time limits for presentation at workshop and council meetings. The hope is to find ways to keep the time of meetings at a reasonable length. In the discussion, it was indicated that other municipalities do have policy limits. It was decided to review those options at a future meeting.

In the last new business item, the council discussed the recent decision by Elk Rapids Township to explore the valuation and possible sale of the Historic Elk Rapids Township Hall (HERTH). Several council members expressed their opinions that the building was important to residents of the village and their frustration at not having communications with the township over their plans for the building. The council asked Stephenson to set up meetings with the township board to discuss the situation.

Village offices will be closed on Monday, May 26 in observance of Memorial Day. The next Village Council meeting is set for Tuesday, June 3 at 6:30 p.m.

ELK RAPIDS TOWNSHIP
Elk Rapids Township Update

By Mark McAlpine, Contributing Writer

The Elk Rapids Township Board met for a special meeting on Monday, May 19 at the Government Center. All board members were present. Attorney Thad Morgan was present and participated in the meeting. The first portion of the meeting was to discuss lawyer client privilege information in session. The second portion of the meeting was added to the agenda to authorize funds for an appraisal for the Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall (HERTH) building. That board authorization to seek a real estate evaluation and appraisal was reported in the May 15 issue of the Elk Rapids News. An authorization for funding for the real estate valuations was needed at the May 19 meeting.

According to Township Supervisor Dorance Amos, the township attorney recommended that a formal appraisal be obtained, and the property be listed with a commercial real estate agent. The township is making arrangement for that appraisal and has hired Dan Stiebel with Coldwell Banker Commercial Schmidt in Traverse City. Stiebel deals exclusively with commercial sales or lease properties. Stiebel will assist the township in their property evaluation and communications with those interested.

In their most recent audit and negotiations for a new lease for HERTH, auditors and township attorneys indicated that the township is not allowed by state statutes to lease or utilize HERTH for private functions. The township board has met with the Historical Elk Rapids Township Hall Association (HERTHA) board to discuss the matter. HERTHA is on a month-to-month lease for the building. According to Amos, the township has agreed to honor all event bookings made by HERTHA through the 2025 calendar year. They have also agreed to give HERTHA an opportunity to provide an offer on the building.

Public interest in the future of HERTH was evident from the large crowd attending the special meeting on May 19. For the township, it will be important to follow required rules and regulations while listening to the interest of the community. “We have to work as a group and try to get something put together so we can pass the building off to someone who can properly maintain it,” Amos said. “We would like to see it operated as a community center, a place for weddings venues, meetings, and theater. That is not a government entity. The building would be much better off with the proper ownership and management.”

Amos is thankful for the public response and interest in the building. He thought that those attending the meeting were not happy about the move to sell but they understood the reason and desire to sell the building. “I want to thank those residents who attended the meeting,” Amos stated. “They were respectful, asked good questions, and expressed an interest in working with the township board. In the end, we want this project to work out for everybody.”

The next township board meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 9, 2025.

Green ER to host research vessel RV Northwestern

Research vessel the RV Northwestern will visit Elk Rapids next week. Courtesy photo

Green ER is proud to host the NMC Great Lakes Water Studies Institute and their research vessel the RV Northwestern, a 56-foot 20 passenger coastal survey vessel, which will visit the Edward C. Grace Memorial Harbor, on Tuesday, May 27, 1-4 p.m. The Institute and its associated programs give students access to state-of-the-art equipment throughout their coursework. The staff and vessel will be available to both schools and community members to come down and see the RV Northwestern, learn about some of their research technology, and hear about program opportunities.

There will be a live demonstration of a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) deployed from the vessel, showcasing its capabilities in real time. Additionally, an Unscrewed Surface Vessel (USV) equipped with advanced underwater mapping technology will operate in the harbor, highlighting its use in hydrographic surveying and marine research. The program director will be joined by four Bachelor of Science in Marine Technology students to discuss the program’s hands-on learning opportunities, cutting-edge equipment, and the wide range of career pathways available to graduates.

Memorial Day guest speaker Peter L. Aseritis

Peter L. Aseritis, of Williamsburg, will be the guest speaker at this year’s Memorial Day service to be held at Veterans Memorial Park in Elk Rapids at 11 a.m.

A native of Midland, Michigan, Peter Aseritis attended Midland High School, where he graduated in the top 10% of his class and was a member of the National Honor Society. In athletics, he captained the 1968 state championship football team and was awarded first team All-State Honors.

While attending Western Michigan University, Aseritis played football for the Broncos, was selected Honorable Mention All Mid-American Conference (MAC) as a linebacker and joined the U.S. Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Class (PLC) Officer Commissioning program where he attended summer training sessions in Quantico, Virginia.

Upon graduation in 1973, he received a bachelor’s degree in Finance and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant of Marines. He was the 1971 recipient of the Commandant’s Trophy, which is awarded to the top officer candidate.

Lieutenant Aseritis served on active duty at various Marine stations around the world, including Marine Corps Base Quantico, Camp Pendleton and Okinawa, Japan.

His duties included being a platoon commander in Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, First Marines and a Reconnaissance Platoon Commander with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion at Camp Pendleton. Served as Company Commander, Chief Parachute Officer, Diving Officer, and Training Officer with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion in Okinawa; then was selected Aide-de-Camp to Brigadier General Kenneth Robinson on Okinawa. He also served as a USMC officer recruiter at Penn State.

Aseritis was Airborne, Scuba and Ranger qualified; was awarded the Merrill’s Marauders Award as an honor graduate from the U.S. Army Ranger School, jumpmaster trained through the U.S. Army Jumpmaster School at Fort Bragg, as well as Arctic Mountaineering certified through the U.S. Army School at Fort Greely, Alaska. He graduated from the U.S. Navy diving school in San Diego, California, and went on to serve as a certified military Dive Master and diving instructor.

After leaving the Marine Corps with an honorable discharge and the rank of Captain, Aseritis obtained an MBA in Finance from the Pennsylvania State University in 1982.

Following graduate school, Aseritis pursued a business career as a senior aerospace analyst in New York from 1982 to 2000, and then as a financial advisor in Traverse City, Michigan. He retired from Merrill Lynch in 2022 having spent almost 40 years in various aspects of financial services.

He is a member of AMVETS Post 114.

Garden Club honors veterans

Elk Rapids Garden Club gardeners: Lori Bartz, Jane Hamilton, Beth Guntzviller, Julie Bolhuis. Not pictured: Ann Craig and Geri Frederixon. Courtesy photo

You’ve been by it a hundred times. Sometimes it’s full of pumpkins and scarecrows, and then again it can be full of Christmas decorations or patriotic paraphernalia. One consistent thing about the village garden at the Chamber of Commerce building is the boat…and the Blue Star Memorial Plaque. The Blue Star Program honors all men and women who serve in the U.S. Armed Services. This program began with the planting of 8,000 Dogwood trees by the New Jersey Council of Garden Clubs in 1944 as a living memorial to veterans of World War II. In 1945, the National Garden Clubs, Inc. adopted this program and began a Blue Star Highway system that covers thousands of miles across the Continental U.S., Alaska and Hawaii. The Blue Star symbol was adopted because it had become an icon in WWII and was seen on flags and banners in homes of sons and daughters away at war.

This new Blue Star By-Way plaque will replace the worn plaque of 10 years. The Elk Rapids Garden Club maintains this garden and received a sizeable grant from the Michigan Garden Clubs for purchase of this plaque.

VILLAGE OF ELK RAPIDS
DDA Update

By Mark McAlpine, Contributing Writer

The Elk Rapids DDA met for their regular meeting on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at the Government Center. Executive Director John Mach was not able to attend. All board members were present with the exception of Scott Eskamp. Three new board members, Michelle Klein, Chuck Thiel, and Christopher Werner were introduced. Village President Tom Stephenson and CEDAM Fellow Theresa Marshall attended and participated in the meeting.

Officer elections were held. A motion was passed to continue with the current slate of officers. Barbara Matthews will serve as Chair. Scott Epskamp will serve as Vice Chair. Sandy Ehlers will serve as Secretary. The agenda was approved as presented. The consent agenda was approved as submitted. That agenda included minutes from the regular DDA meeting dated April 9, financial reports dated April 30, 2025, an authorization to approve $600 for MDA summer workshop training, and approval to accept a recommendation to move the July meeting to Thursday, July 10 to allow DDA members to attend Evenings on River Street. Elk Rapids Village Clerk Leah Moskovitz presented training information for new board members regarding village processes and communications.

DDA CEDAM Fellow Theresa Marshall presented an overview of the Executive Directors report. Marshall also submitted her Fellowship report. Village President Tom Stephenson submitted his Village Council report. Stephenson reported that the Ames Street phase I is close to being completed. He announced that candidates for the position of village manager will be interviewed on Friday. Janet Rentsch provided an update on the Façade Grant Program. A motion was made and passed as new business to approve three matching grant façade awards. Discussions were held on ways to improve the process in 2026.

John Petrovich, former DDA board member and owner of Copper Bottom Creative Co., presented a new digital marketing strategy, annual plan, and budget. The plan includes a digital ad campaign. The campaign is primarily a google ad structure with a few pieces of print and email advertising. Petrovich answered questions from the board regarding the details of the plan. A motion was made to approve the strategy, annual plan, and budget not to exceed $40,000 for marketing and $20,000 for professional services. The motion passed.

Final designs and the installation plan for the 2025 Wayfinding project were presented for final approval from the board. A motion was made to proceed with Valley City Sign as the vendor to fabricate and install all signage in the plan with a budget of $73,861 from the infrastructure account and $24,785 for Rotary Park Landscaping. The Rotary Park plan would require Village Council approval since one gateway sign near the water tower is out of the DDA District (see Village Council Update). DDA will request the Village Council to pay for that sign with the understanding that the DDA will pay landscaping costs for the Rotary Park improvements. The motion was approved.

Barbara Matthews provided an overview of the planned “Stronger Together Event” scheduled for May 29 from 8:00 to 10:30 a.m. at HERTH. The event will bring business and political representatives together for a public discussion of events and business development for Elk Rapids. A motion was made to approve a shared HERTH rental of $75.00 for the event. The motion was passed.

The next regular DDA meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11 at 6:00 p.m. in the Government Center.

MILTON TOWNSHIP
Milton Township Update

By Mark McAlpine, Contributing Writer

The Milton Township board met for their regular meeting on Monday, May 19, 2025. All trustees and board members were in attendance. A motion was made and passed to approve the meeting agenda as presented. A motion was made to approve the consent agenda as submitted. That agenda included minutes from the April 21 meeting, minutes from a special board meeting on April 24, the treasurer’s report, and authorization to pay a packet of monthly bills. That motion was passed.

Sheriff Kevin Hoch was not able to attend. His sheriff’s report was included in the board packet. Supervisor Chris Weinzapfel read the Fire Department report into the record. The EMS report was included in the packet. Bill Hefferan provided the Planning Commission report. A special Planning Commission meeting is scheduled next week for a special land use permit from North Shore Docks. Hefferan also reported that the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing for a new fence ordinance at the June 1 meeting. The commission will also discuss a requirement to have all taxes paid prior to permit approvals. In his county commissioner report, Hefferan announced that the county will be leasing police cars in the future. There will be cost impact for the leasing versus buying plan.

In unfinished business, Weinzapfel announced that amendments made to the land use ordinance 100-01 adopted in 1997 were posted online and did not have any public feedback. A motion was made to proceed with the revised changes. That motion was passed.

In new business, Liz Atkinson led the board to a discussion regarding a new township investment policy to replace the original policy. The changes will require the treasurer to come before the board for any non-CD investment. The changes will be presented to the board at the June meeting for final approval. Atkinson also briefed the board on plans to follow the MiClass Investment Pooling plan once the new investment policy is approved. It provides online management with same day withdrawals and departmental account organization. This plan will also be presented to the board at the next meeting.

The next Milton Township meeting is scheduled for June 16, 2025 at 9 a.m.

Blessing of the Boats

The inaugural Blessing of the Boats is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, June 14 at Dockside on Torch Lake.

All boats, from power boats to fishing boats to sailboats to kayaks, are welcome to the site, at the conflux of Torch and Clam lakes.

The blessing ceremony will be officiated by Pastor David Ramage of Church in the Hills in Bellaire with a performance by the Charlevoix-based Green Sky Hill Indian United Methodist Church Women’s Drum Group.

The purpose of the event is safety, mindfulness, thankfulness, respectfulness and beauty. It will begin with an opening statement followed by music/hymns by the Church in the Hills Praise Band, followed by the blessing of the water, a prayer and blessing of the boating season, and, finally, the blessing of the boats.

The Latest from the Library

Did You Know?
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Library for Everybody Open House! It was wonderful to see so much community support as we build a more accessible library. Stay tuned for more opportunities to see the new space this summer.

Libraries serve as community hubs, collaborating with local organizations to combat food insecurity by offering essential services and programs to help individuals and families assess food and resources. This summer, we are partnering again with Manna Food Project to provide nonperishable bags of food, available in our lobby, for those in need.

Do A Little Good – Stuff the Truck with Basic Needs: Saturday 5/31 at Short’s Brewing Co & Pull Barn. Bring your donations from soap, shampoo and toothbrushes to t-shirts and hoodies. Can’t make it to the event? We have a collection box in the library lobby. Fill up our box and we will help stuff the truck!

Foodie Book Club: Our last meeting before taking a break for summer. Delish!
Memorial Weekend Library Closings: Sunday 5/25 & Monday 5/26. *No Storytime on Friday, 5/23

Upcoming Programs
•   Drop-in Tech Help: Tuesday, 5/27, 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. & Thursday, 5/29, 1:00–2:30 p.m.
•   Foodie Book Club: Wednesday 5/28 5:30–7:00 p.m. @ Art & Connection
•   ER Knitters: Thursday, 5/29, 2:00–4:00 p.m.
•   Storytime at the Library: Friday, 5/30, 10:30–11:30 a.m.

All programs take place at the Island House Library unless otherwise noted. Questions? Call us at 231-264-9979 or visit elkrapidslibrary.org. Subscribe to our digital newsletter! elkrapidslibrary.org/newsletter