Caughtcha being Good!

Sydney Sternfeld

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Courtesy photo
Recently, Bubba, a black lab, got away from his owners and was seen running around Elk Rapids. Finally, he wondered into the parking lot of the Village Market, where luckily, Sydney, an employee, was taking her break and saw the lab near some bushes. She was able to get a hold of him and read his collar tag to phone his owners. After giving the thirsty pup some water, Sydney sat with him until he was reunited with his owners. Well done and thank you, Sydney. Bet Bubba was happy to run into you

Elk Rapids Chamber of Commerce
Chamber welcomes new business

The Elk Rapids Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of the new pickleball courts in Elk Rapids. Thanks to the Parks and Recreation Commission, four dedicated pickleball courts are open for play at Veterans Memorial Park from dawn until dusk, seven days a week. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and play is restricted to 1 1/2 hours when others are waiting.​
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Melissa West –Village Council trustee, John Matthew – village manager, Carol Heles – Parks and Recreation, surrounded by “Learn to Play Pickleball” instructors. Courtesy photo

Going PRO Talent Fund Grants now open

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) announced today that approximately $50 million in funding is available for cycle 1 of the Going PRO Talent Fund. Applications are now open and Michigan businesses have until Oct. 18, 2024 to apply for funding to help them train and upskill their workforce. Since its launch, the program has provided training opportunities for more than 175,000 Michigan workers and supported the growth of over 7,100 businesses throughout the state.

“The Going PRO Talent Fund gives workers the chance to learn new skills and earn certifications that can really make a difference in their careers, while also helping businesses build the skilled teams they need to grow and compete in today’s fast-changing economy,” said Susan Corbin, director of LEO. “By investing in our workforce, we’re not only opening doors for Michiganders but also making sure businesses have the support they need to succeed. It’s about creating a stronger Michigan where all people, business and communities have the educational and economic means to reach their full potential.”

The application process features criteria aimed at addressing emerging workforce needs. The changes include training programs that support affordable housing initiatives and efforts to increase household access to high-speed internet, both key pillars of Governor Whitmer’s MI New Economy Plan. Additionally, there is a renewed focus on industry-recognized certifications that help ensure workers receive technical training that is valuable across industries. Employers who have not received a Going PRO Talent Fund or Employer-Led Collaborative award in the past two fiscal years will also receive additional consideration.

Grants through the Going PRO Talent Fund are awarded in partnership with Michigan Works! agencies. Employers are encouraged to work closely with their local Michigan Works! Service Center to identify key training needs and develop customized plans to fill workforce gaps. All training programs must result in industry-recognized credentials that enhance workforce mobility and flexibility.

The Going PRO Talent Fund is a key part of LEO’s broader All-Access Michigan approach, aimed at removing barriers and providing opportunities for businesses and workers alike. Research shows that Michigan provides employment services to more participants than any other state in the Midwest and is #2 in the nation for helping adults get employed.

Applications close at 5 p.m. EDT on Oct. 18, 2024. Businesses interested in applying should contact their local Michigan Works! Service Center. Information can be found at Michigan.gov/MichiganWorks.

To learn more about the Going PRO Talent Fund and its impact, visit Michigan.gov/TalentFund.

Source: Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity

​Arrive Alive Tour

The Arrive Alive impaired/distracted driving simulator was at Elk Rapids High School on Wednesday, October 2. Students had the opportunity to experience what impaired/distracted driving can be like, with the result that they’ll be well informed to make good choices in the future.

The Arrive Alive Tour was set up from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the parking lot, near the new main entrance. Students rotated through the simulator, beginning with seniors in the morning, and finishing with freshmen in the afternoon.
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Special thanks to the Triston Cole Agency, Farm Bureau Insurance, for supporting this educational opportunity for ERHS students.

Special thanks from Jenny Sobbry

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Well, it’s been a year…. last October, I went into the hospital and it turns out that I had Epstein-Barr that turned into encephalitis, which is the swelling of my brain, and then it caused CNS, which is central nervous system lymphoma.

I just wanted to give one last big thank you to everybody for their thoughts and prayers! I know they really helped me get through. I also wanted to thank everybody for their monetary donations, which made it possible for my husband, Dale, to come down and see me every weekend at U of M while I was there.
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The cancer is not completely gone, but I am back to work! I’ve been at the Village Market for 28 years and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it! It has truly been a pleasure to see my customers again!
I would also like to give a special thank you to my bosses, Rick and Kevin Young, and Dale’s boss, Rod Hammond, as well my fellow employees (family), friends and, of course, my family.

Elk Rapids District
​Library Happenings

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We can’t wait to see our Storytime friends “on the road” this Friday, October 4 at 10:30 a.m. when Destination Storytime heads to Royal Farms for some orchard fun, books, crafts, and snacks!

Halloween Costume Swap! Drop off your gently used costumes at the library by October 11. We’ll have them sorted and ready for swapping in our lobby from October 18-20.

Upcoming Events
Books on Tap: will meet at Short’s Pull Barn on Tuesday, October 8 at 6 p.m. Book: “Honor” by Thrity Umrigar
ER Knitters: Thursday, October 10, at 2 p.m.
Storytime: Destination Storytime October 4 at 10:30 a.m., and October 11 at the library at 10:30 a.m.
Tech Time: Tuesday, October 8, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., Thursday, October 10, 1-2:30 p.m.

Looking Ahead: 
•    ERDL is launching our newest program, 1000 Books Before Kindergarten at Storytime on Friday, October 11 at 10:30 a.m. Pick up your keepsake book log then, or anytime after at the circulation desk, and start a beautiful reading journey with a little one in your life!

•    Sign up for the next Foodie Cookbook Club taking place on Wednesday, October 16 at Art and Connection. This month’s cookbook will be pumpkin themed!

The Library Board of Trustees will have their monthly meeting on Thursday, October 10 at 5 p.m. at the Government Center, public always welcome!

Questions regarding the new library building? Remember you can stay informed by clicking the New Building button on our website or stopping in to talk with our staff!

​New kiosks installed to improve customer check-in process at Social Security

At Social Security we strive to make our services more accessible while maintaining your privacy. We installed new kiosks in most of our local offices to make it easier for you to check in and conduct business with us. The kiosks are private, easy to use without assistance, and provide consistent service to our customers. 
Modifications to earlier screens have improved the check-in process, especially for our customers who are blind or have low vision. Each kiosk is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and includes the following features: 

• Accessible keypads.  
• Audio headphone jacks (complimentary headphones are available upon request). 
• Braille instructions for how to use the kiosk and report any accessibility issues. 
• Built-in thermal printers and ticket dispensers.  
• Enhanced 508-compatible check-in software. 
• Touchscreen monitors with privacy filters. 

These kiosks are just one more way we’re improving the customer service experience in our offices. Last year, we began offering Mobile Check-in Express. It allows customers to use their mobile device to scan a QR code at their local office to check in for scheduled and walk-in appointments. 

By turning on their device’s location services and mobile notifications, visitors receive: 
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• An electronic ticket so they know their place in line. 
• An alert when an employee is ready to help them.
• Information about their interview location.
• An invitation to participate in our feedback survey.

With our new kiosks and Mobile Check-In Express, our check-in process has never been easier. To learn more about our commitment to accessibility, visit www.ssa.gov/accessibility. By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist 

VILLAGE OF ELK RAPIDS
Village Council Update 

By Mark McAlpine, Contributing Writer

The Elk Rapids Village Council met on October 1 for a council meeting and workshop at the Government Center. All council members were present. Village Manager John Matthews and Village Clerk Leah Moskovitz attended and participated in the meeting. An amended agenda was approved. The consent agenda was approved as submitted. The consent agenda included minutes from the Beautification Commission and regular council meeting held on September 17, payroll approval, and authorization to purchase chemicals for the wastewater treatment plant. The village manager’s report was approved as submitted by John Matthews.    

The council took a special presentation for the proposed new county public safety center from County Administrator Jeremy Scott, Sheriff Kevin Hoch, and Commissioner Bill Hefferan. The group provided an overview of the need for the new center and estimated construction costs. The center will house a 56-bed jail, the complete Sheriff staff with dispatch center, and Emergency Operations Center. A construction bond proposal for the project is on the November 5 ballot. The cost is estimated at $32.5 million. The county has already set aside $7 million for the project and is committed the pay the $25.5 million balance for the project from regular cash flows. According to Scott, the construction bond is on the ballot as a safety net for the county should emergencies in the county cause a shift in the payment plans. The hope is that the project can be completed without the county having to draw from the bond, causing a tax on Antrim County residents.

In new business, the council approved a request from General Motors to use River Street for a fall commercial shoot. It is expected that there will be short and intermittent street closures during the shoot. A motion was approved granting the request. Connected to that request, under resolution 2024-55, the council approved a motion to accept a donation from General Motors of $2,000 per day for the two-day shoot. In that motion, the council included a plan to use the donation for purchase of a new downtown drinking fountain. Also, in new business, the council approved Kristy McDonald to the Housing Coalition Board. The council also approved a report from a special committee reviewing future pay and benefit structures for council members. 

In citizen comments, Michael Sherman, representing the owners of the Dexter Hotel, announced that they were successful in drawing a Porsche club to Elk Rapids. Forty participants from the club joined the drive and stayed at the Dexter. Sherman indicated that an October 17 Boyne City to Elk Rapids color tour car rally is also planned with an overnight stay in downtown Elk Rapids. 

Village offices will be closed October 14 to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The next regular Village Council meeting has scheduled for Tuesday, October 15 at 6:30 p.m.

Around Town
with Rob Ford

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I know that it’s taken nine months to get this far into the year, but doesn’t it seem crazy that we are already in October? Seems like we just got all the summer stuff out and even though the weather has added a couple of weeks to our summer fun it’s time to put that crap away. 

Did he just say “crap?”

He did. 

Can he print that in the newspaper?

Stop it. 

People have been saying “crap” since the 17th century when the English used the term to describe waste or chaff and French began using “crape” to describe dirt. The better-known usage to describe excrement was first published in the 1840s and was again linked to the Old French “crappe,” to describe waste or rejected matter particularly that found in barns. The Dutch coined “krappen,” which roughly translated to pluck off, cut off or separate which when paired with the Old English word “tord” eventually explains why the waste that’s been torn or split from the body is referred to as a “turd.”

Sorry you asked, or can we all just live with me using “crap” and move along?

Besides, like so many other words, “crap” has many meanings and synonyms, most of which occur outside the bathroom and are legitimately clean. Aside from the obvious, it’s used to describe nonsense, rubbish, dirt, dice games, anything useless or unpleasant and many times just “stuff.” So today I’m telling you that now is a great time to get rid of “crap.”

Fall is finally in the air and it’s time to put away the summer lawn furniture and bring out the snow shovels and other winter … “crap.” I’m a snowblower user so in the next month or two I’ll walk ours down from the shed out back and find room for it in the garage. But first I’ll have to rearrange things and probably have to get rid of some “crap” I’ve acquired this summer. 

We have a selection of lawn chairs that circle our firepit. They’ve been outside all summer and are showing their age. Between the birds using them as bathroom roosts, the pine trees dripping their sap on them, and the general wear and tear of the elements, many of them have simply turned to “crap.” Their fabric has been stained from the birds, sticky from the sap, and weakened to the point of ripping from the exposure to sun, wind and rain. To describe them as a stack of “crap” would not be unjustified and it’s time to replace the worst of them.

The fall is another great time to take stock of your wardrobe. I’ve got more than a couple of T-shirts that I’m sure Marcy would like me to toss after wearing them so much this summer. So, too, the shorts worn so often and gotten so dirty that they no longer come totally clean. As I get to bring out the long pants, long sleeved shirts, and the selection of hoodies that will get me through the winter I just need to toss those “crappy” summer clothes that have worn out their usefulness. 

We are typically not hoarders. Our house, garage, shed and property are generally clutter free, but we somehow manage to always have an ample amount of “crap” lying around. Without our seasonal diligence and a critical eye toward over accumulation, I can see where we could get into trouble.

But don’t worry. We are on it. Just last week we crossed a couple of regularly scheduled chores off our list that really helped. I had a colonoscopy and we also had the septic tank pumped. Between those two things, I can’t imagine getting rid of more “crap.” 

The Elk Rapids High School Class of 1959 

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The Elk Rapids High School Class of 1959 celebrated with a get together on Monday, September 23, 2024. seated: Charlene (Booth) Bussa, Shirley (Hughes) McCann, Leona (Corpe) Webb. middle row: Mary Ellen Sarasin, Roberta (Spencer) Cornelissen, Minnie (Webb) Robb, Leone (Dean) Ostlund, Sharon (Burns) Wilcox, Lorna (Pelton) Chile, Grandin Smith. third row: Joyce (Nemec) Grammer, Linda (Way) Wangbichler. back row: Dale Hensley, Ron Coyne. Courtesy photo

Crop Walk

On Sunday, September 22, 40 dedicated and enthusiastic people and one dog made their way through Bellaire to bring attention to the food and water needs of people in our local neighborhoods and around the world. Participants came from Torch Lake Assembly of God, Alden United Methodist Church, and Church in the Hills. Torch Lake Assembly of God brought bright orange T-shirts emblazoned with the Crop Walk logo for walkers to wear. At the end of the walk everyone enjoyed apples that were generously donated by King Orchards. We hope to have even more walkers next year for this important and fun event. Text and photos submitted by Connie Brigham

​How to protect yourself from mosquito-spread viruses

In light of diseased birds being reported in Antrim county earlier this week, are you wondering what to do if you see a sick or deceased bird? After tests by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), these birds were found to be infected with mosquito-spread viruses, West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
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Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) and the DNR are encouraging residents to report sick or diseased birds or other animals by going to https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/ors/Survey/4 or calling or texting 517-336-5030. Follow the instructions on the DNR website and do not move the bird from its location. HDNW does not collect birds for testing.

Protect yourself and your pets

HDNW is here to provide residents with information on how to best protect themselves.

“Based on the DNR’s lab results, we know that birds in the area are infected with these viruses,” says Dan Thorell, HDNW Health Officer. “While there’s no need to panic, we are encouraging people to do limit exposure to the mosquitos and to report any suspicious birds to the DNR.”
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WNV is the leading cause of mosquito-spread disease in the continental U.S. About one in five people who are infected, develop a fever and other symptoms while others do not feel sick. Although rare, EEE is one of the most dangerous mosquito-spread diseases in the U.S., with a 33% fatality rate among people who become ill. The fatality rate in birds and other animals varies.

To protect yourself from mosquito bites:
• Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other U.S. EPA-approved products, to exposed skin or clothing, and follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. 
• Avoid being outside during peak mosquito activity between dusk and dawn.
• Use windows and doors with well-maintained screens.
• Empty water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires, or similar sites where mosquitoes may lay eggs.
• Use nets and/or fans over outdoor seating areas.

To protect animals:
• Put farm animals in the barn during peak mosquito activity from dusk to dawn.
• Check with your vet on whether EEE vaccinations are available for your animals.
• Use an insect repellant on the animals approved for the species.
• Again, eliminate standing water on your property. 

Source: Health Department of Northwest Michigan