Caughtcha being Good!

Jack & Sully Guntzviller

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Photo by Kristie Wolgamott
A recently updated picnic area, featuring a new sunshade and tables, near the playground at Veterans Memorial Park, has been repeatedly buried in sand by recent storms. While the village DPW works hard to keep the area clear, they recently received some extra help from Jack and Sully Guntzviller. After noticing the sand during a walk with their grandmother, Beth, the duo grabbed their blowers and cleared the entire area. “Although Sully and Jack don’t live in Elk Rapids, they love it here. They know how much Elk Rapids means to me and all their relatives in town,” said Beth. “They feel good helping to keep it up!” Caughtcha being GOOD, Jack and Sully. Thanks for helping out.

ELK RAPIDS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Chamber welcomes new business

The Elk Rapids Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the grand opening of a new location for Fischer Insurance at 101 River Street, Elk Rapids. For 55 years, Fischer Insurance has served northern Michigan with offices in Elk Rapids and Bellaire. As a family-run business, they’re committed to more than providing insurance—they’re dedicated to supporting the communities and people who call this region home. To learn more, call 231-264-6161 or visit www.fischerins.com.

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Troy Bradberry, Loretta Fedewa, Norm Veliquette, Kathleen Petersen, Katie Ulrich, Jakan Jano, Rachel Fischer (holding baby Wren), Cora and Greyson Fischer, Joe Fischer Senior, Joe Fischer, Tom Shelder, Chris White, Toni Morrison, Chris Bueby, Becky Lancaster, Pam Williams, Marcie Earl, Michele Spillane. Courtesy photo

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s…a drone?  ​

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Elk Rapids Fire Chief Ken Williamson displays the department’s new rescue drone. Photo by Cade Johnson
By Cade Johnson, Elk Rapids News Intern

Yes, folks, you heard that right: the Elk Rapids Fire Department now has eyes in the sky. I recently spoke with Fire Chief, Ken Williamson, to discuss his new acquisition and how it affects their daily routines at the station, emergency protocols, possible plans for the future of the drone, and if it plays a role in the upcoming celebration of Harbor Days. 
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Williamson proudly introduced me to the new equipment, showcasing its capabilities, in particular being able to assist in multiple forms of rescue. “I anticipate it’s going to be used for water rescue, possibly more for ice rescue. It also has missing person capability due to its infrared camera,” Williamson stated. He also believes that, due to its novelty, its full potential is yet to be discovered. He gave me a tour of the unit, providing me with an in-depth explanation of how it is to be utilized. He explained that it has two cameras (wide-angle and infrared), both with an 80x zoom capability, a loudspeaker, and a bright light, rendering it able to assist with possible nighttime operations, or in the event they would need to send a message to a person in need of help.

Williamson also emphasized the department’s safety and training protocols. I asked the chief whether just anyone was able to fly the unit, “We’ve created a list of policies and procedures that you have to follow to fly it. 

And then I also have anyone that’s going to fly, take a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) course so they at least know the basic operations, and of what they can and what they cannot do with it. Then, they get a certificate, and we put it in their file.”

Although the drone represents an additional public safety capability, residents should not expect to see it in the air during Harbor Days. The department will not be flying it over crowds due to FAA rules and best practices. Being that the department acquired the drone only last spring, it is understandable as to why that is the case. But, not to worry, as the chief has other ways to serve Elk Rapids as a pillar of protection during the festival. “We are part of what’s called the RTF (Rescue Task Force), and once a situation is brought under control, we show up and they’re escorted by law from the scene, and we help extricate patients.” Williamson and his department also plan on using the station to provide car seat checks for proper installation and promoting fire alarm and smoke detector programs. They also will be involved with the festivities as they represent River Street for Wednesday Night Live, participate in the water balloon contest in the park, and, most importantly, man the fireworks. 

With this new technology, updated training and safety requirements, and their continued involvement in Harbor Days, the Elk Rapids Fire Department keeps developing ways to help serve the community. In the end, Ken had only one question for me, 

“You want to see it fly?” 

“Let’s see it fly.”

Raptors in Northern Michigan ​

On Sunday, July 26, the Skegemog Raptor Center and Green Elk Rapids packed the marina pavilion for a Raptors in Northern Michigan event. The engaged audience met the “ambassador” birds, heard about the dangers raptors face, and learned how our community and the public can support these awe-inspiring birds
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Raptor Center’s Executive Director James Manley. Photo by Rick Kane

Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians announces local 2% funds

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians announced the distribution of $744,633.78 of gaming revenue allocation to local units of government. The dollars have been allocated to 41 local applicants as part of the Tribe’s “2 percent allocation,” which takes place twice per year. Local organizations receiving awards are as follows:

Antrim County  $16,000.00
Funding for Antrim Commission on Aging to purchase a 15-person van with lift

Elk Rapids District Library  $28,750.00
Funding to support Phase II renovations by purchasing kitchen equipment and the partnership with Northern Michigan Indigenous Youth Bridges Initiative

Elk Rapids Public Schools      $58,000.00
Funding to support the Schools Native Student program in providing educational assistance services to Native American students through tutors and cultural liaisons, and financial assistance for school-related educational costs.

Whitewater Township   $2,000.00
Funding to support the installation of playground safety mulch at Whitewater Township park playground

Whitewater Township Fire Department   $6,605.94
Funding to purchase/replace water and ice rescue equipment.

Communities in Schools receives $25,800 donation from 100 Women Who Care – Elk Rapids Area

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Nicole Fales, Peg Whisler, Amy Burk, Cindy Zarow, Wendy Arsnoe, Haley Nelson, Peg Asmus, Deb Broderick Photo by Joanie Moore
Communities In Schools of Northwest Michigan (CIS) has been selected as the most recent recipient of a generous donation from 100 Women Who Care – Elk Rapids. Over 280 members joined together in making a collective gift totaling $25,800 to be used to help ensure that CIS programming continues at participating schools.

In partnership with local public schools, CIS places caring professionals directly in schools, connecting students and families with the relationships, resources, and opportunities they need to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential. Services range from academic and attendance interventions to provision of basic needs like food, hygiene products, and clothing. CIS currently serves students and families in eight districts including four in Antrim County, including Elk Rapids Public Schools.

“This generous gift from 100 Women Who Care Elk Rapids is an investment in the success of local students,” said Amy Burk, Executive Director of Communities In Schools of Northwest Michigan. “Their support helps sustain our partnerships and reminds students that their community believes in them and is standing beside them when they need it most.” 

To learn more about CIS and their work with students and families, visit https://cisnwmi.org/. For more about 100 Women Who Care – Elk Rapids Area and their giving model, visit https://www.100womenelkrapids.org/. – Submitted by Peg Asmus

Around Town
​with Rob Ford

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Even though it’s a week later than usual this year, I find myself saying, “Is it Harbor Days already? Damn, that means that summer is almost over.” 
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Another summer taps the brakes and begins its final descent into something that some call Back to School. As much as I hate to think of it in those terms, I thought I’d find a few words to tell us all to slow things down before we watch out for school buses, turning leaves and everything else that marks the passing of summer in northern Michigan. 

This whole line of thought began recently when I read a little anecdote about slowing things down. In brief, a man is walking down the street and tries to remember something, but the recollection is difficult. Automatically, he slows down. Conversely, a person that wants to forget a recent disagreeable encounter subconsciously speeds up their pace, as if trying to distance themselves from the incident. 

Existentially, the degree of slowness is directly proportional to the intensity of the memory. The degree of speed is directly proportional to the intensity of forgetting.

Here are some other words of encouragement to slow down, take it easy, and enjoy the rest of the season. 

Musically, The Eagles wrote a song called “Take it Easy,” which included the lyrics, “We may lose and we may win, but we’ll never be here again. So open up I’m climbing’ in to take it easy.” Like the folks slowly remembering or quickly forgetting outcomes of days gone by, just move along and take it easy.

Another band, Blues Traveler, wrote a song called “Runaround” with the lyrics, “Why you wanna give me the runaround? It’s a sure fire way to speed me up, when all it does is slow me down.” Stop the viciously fast merry-go-round of FOMO and slow things down.

And who sings Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” quickly? I mean, “Singin’ don’t worry, about a thing. ‘Cos every little thing, s’gonna be alright” simply shouldn’t be rushed through.

“Slow down, you move too fast. You gotta make the mornin’ last.” Simon and Garfunkel’s “59th Street Bridge Song” could be the anthem for late summer slowdowns. 

There are plenty of literary quotes about slowing one’s roll and a couple of favorites of mine include these. 

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished –Lao Tzu

Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes then plug it back in, including you. –Anne Lamott 

Go with the slow –Anonymous

There is more to life than increasing its speed –Gandhi

Anything worth doing is worth doing slowly –Mae West

The things that matter most should never be at the mercy of the things that matter least –Goethe 

For comic relief, I include a quote by comedian Demetri Martin. “Plenty of things look so cool in slow motion. Eating is not one of them.”

The movies, mostly convinced that speed sells more tickets, give us a handful of good words about the importance of slowing down. A couple of my favorites are these. 

Talk low, talk slow, and don’t say too much –John Wayne in Rio Bravo

Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. –Ferris Bueller

From the television series and never mentioned in any movie of the same franchise. Not too fast, Robin. In good Batclimbing, as in driving, never sacrifice safety for speed. –Batman

I’m certainly not trying to rush the end of what has been yet another spectacular summer. I’m just getting ahead of the curve in encouraging everyone to remember to appreciate what can often be the busiest time of year. 

It’s better to slow down than to bog down. –Ford 

One local family’s foster care story
CFS of Northwestern Michigan launches 37th Annual Brown Bag Campaign

PictureKatie, Olivia and Dylan Newton Courtesy photo
When Dylan Newton first suggested to his wife, Katie, that they become foster parents, her answer was a firm no. “At first I was not for the idea whatsoever,” Katie admits. “But then he brought it up again after a while, and I said, okay, let’s look into it.” That phone call to Child and Family Services of Northwestern Michigan (CFS) set the Newtons on a path they never expected. This August, the family will mark one year as licensed foster parents. Today, their home includes their 7-year-old biological daughter, Olivia, a 14-year-old boy placed with them in September, and a 17-year-old girl who joined the family in April.

The Newtons were originally licensed for school-aged children, hoping for placements closer to Olivia’s age. Then the call came for a teenage boy. “I feel like foster care isn’t what everybody thinks it is,” Katie says. “People always give teenagers such a bad rap. When I tell people we took in teenagers, they give me a look like, ‘oh god.’ But they’re really great.”
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She describes their 17-year-old as “an old soul” whose independence was shaped by everything she has been through. Their 14-year-old is athletic and thoughtful — “a regular teenage boy with teenage boy tendencies,” Katie laughs. He and Olivia tease each other constantly, acting like a true brother and sister. Olivia, an only child until last fall, recently told her foster sister, “I am so glad that I have you as a sister.” It melted the teen’s heart.

The Newtons are honest that fostering comes with real challenges — especially the uncertainty of not knowing what the future holds. That uncertainty is hard on Katie and Dylan, but hardest on the kids. “They had to grow up fast because of things that happened in their past,” Katie says. “I get that some parents have a hard time and need help and make mistakes. We all need help from time to time.” Even when the goal is reunification with a child’s biological family, the Newtons focus on encouraging healthy relationships. “Dylan and I aren’t perfect parents, but we encourage all the good things,” Katie says.

People often tell Katie they could never foster — that it would just be too hard. She doesn’t argue with them. Instead, she pauses. “I understand,” she says. “I’ve been called Mom since day one of having them here. I mean, they’re my kids. I consider them my kids.” She won’t pretend it’s been easy. “I’m not going to lie; there have been times when I’ve struggled. But then I realize, no, I can do this. I’m doing this for a reason. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.” Her advice for families considering fostering is simple: go with the flow, roll with the punches, and lean on your support system. The Newtons’ extended families have been deeply involved, especially Dylan’s mother.

Dylan sums up the family’s hope this way: “I want these kids to come back after high school and feel a sense of belonging, family, and home.”

How you can help
Families like the Newtons are at the heart of the mission of Child and Family Services of Northwestern Michigan, which has served children and families across a 23-county region for decades through foster care, adoption, family preservation, and youth programs.

Each fall, the community has a chance to support that work through the Brown Bag Campaign, now in its 37th year. Donations to the campaign directly support local children in foster care and the families who open their homes to them.

To donate, or to learn more about becoming a foster parent, contact Child and Family Services of Northwestern Michigan at 231-946-8975 or visit CFSNWMI.org.

FEMA Fact Sheet 08 – DR-4925-MI
5 Reminders for Your Disaster Recovery

If you live in one of the 27 designated counties and had uninsured damage to your primary home, personal property loss or disaster-related emergency needs due to the April 10 – 21, 2026, severe storms, tornadoes and flooding, apply for FEMA assistance. If you are insured, file an insurance claim first, then apply for FEMA assistance for unmet needs.

Start the FEMA application process by going online to DisasterAssistance.gov or calling 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. In addition to applying with FEMA, keep in mind these five reminders as you continue your disaster recovery:
1.    Check Those Heating Systems Now.
    Take the time to ensure your furnace and water heater are operating safely and aren’t damaged by the April storms and flooding. FEMA grants may be available to help repair those items and replace them if they were destroyed by floodwater, but you have to apply before the August 31, 2026 deadline to be considered.

2.    Disaster Damaged Wells and Septic Systems May be Eligible for FEMA Help.
    If your private well or septic system was damaged by the disaster, be sure to report the damage to FEMA. You may be reimbursed for the cost to have a professional licensed technician prepare an estimate detailing the necessary repairs or replacement of your disaster-damaged systems. In addition to the technician’s estimate, FEMA may also pay for the actual repair or replacement cost of your septic system or well.

3.    If You Reported Insurance Coverage, You Must Submit Your Insurance Settlement or Denial to FEMA to Move Your Application Forward.
    FEMA needs your insurance settlement or denial to process your application to make sure you are not receiving money for the same damage twice. By law, FEMA cannot pay for costs related to the disaster that your insurance already covers.

4.    Help with Mold Removal May be Available.
    FEMA may provide funds to address damage from mold. If you are a homeowner, you may receive money for cleanup, removal, or remediation of disaster-caused mold. To be eligible for this assistance, FEMA must verify that you are unable to live in your home because of the disaster caused mold damage. Limited funds may also be available to homeowners and renters to prevent additional losses or potential health and safety concerns from mold growth.

5.    If you Already Made Repairs, FEMA May Still Be Able to Assist You.
    If you need financial help to recover, but your home repairs are complete or underway, you may still apply for FEMA assistance. Photographs, receipts and other documentation can demonstrate disaster-related costs or essential needs to move your application forward.

With questions about your application, contact the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or visit a Michigan Disaster Recovery Center (MI DRC). Find a MI DRC location near you by visiting Michigan.gov/aprilstorms. For more information about Michigan’s recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4925.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters

The Latest from the Library

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What’s Happening:
Harbor Days Summer Fun on the Lawn: Celebrate Harbor Days with bubbles, lawn games, FREE popsicles (while supplies last), and a magical visit from Mermaid Phantom after she swims up the Elk River! Fri. 8/7, 1:00–2:00 pm 
*Note: No morning Storytime

The library will be closed on Saturday, August 8 for the Harbor Days Parade. We hope we nail our float and construct good vibes along the route! Cheer us on!

Books on Tap: Beach views, great books, and good conversation! Join us at the Old Bathing Beach on Tuesday, August 11 to discuss Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller. Bring a beach chair! (Rain location: Short’s Pull Barn.)

Wrapping up our Summer Reading Challenge:
•    Adults: Trackers due Aug. 15. Pick up your koozie and enter the prize raffle. 
•    Teens: More prizes added—enter the drawings of your choice!
All winners will be called following the drawings. 
•    Kids: Claim your prizes and adopt a dinosaur. 

Upcoming Programs:
•    Harbor Days Summer Fun on the Lawn: Fri 8/7, 1:00-2:00 pm
•    LIBRARY CLOSED for Harbor Days Parade: Sat 8/8 
•    Chess Mondays: Mon 8/10, 4:00-5:30 pm
•    Books on Tap: Tues 8/11, 6:00-7:00 pm @Old Bathing Beach
•    Tech Help: Tues 8/11 and Thurs 8/13, 1:00-2:30 pm
•    Evenings on River Street: Wed 8/12, 6:00-9:00 pm
•    ER Knitters: Thurs 8/13, 2:00-4:00 pm
•    Library Trustee Meeting: Thurs 8/13, 5:00 pm @ER Government Building
•    Storytime: Fri 8/14 10:30-11:30 am 

All programs take place at the Island House Library unless otherwise noted.
Questions? Call 231-264-9979. Visit elkrapidslibrary.org.
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