Elk Rapids News and Features | Elk Rapids, Michigan

Caughtcha being Good!

Lynne & Dan Mixer

Courtesy photo

With their flight delayed in Chicago for more than three hours, followed by a deplaning and a terminal change Nancy and Norm Schreiber knew it was going to be a problem getting a ride home to Elk Rapids once their very late flight finally arrived in Traverse City. As Nancy was on the phone trying to figure out what to do after their car service was understandably canceled, she was overheard by another couple who immediately came to their rescue! Lynne and Dan Mixer, also of Elk Rapids, and also waiting for the same flight, volunteered to give them a ride home.

“We have been stuck at the Traverse City airport many times in the past, but we have never had someone step up the way Lynne and Dan did,” said Nancy. She furthered explained how the Mixers helped them to carry their luggage and squeeze them all into their car. “Thank you so very much, Lynne and Dan. We can’t say enough about your kindness!”

Elk Rapids Hydrodam: Update

During the April high-water events, Antrim County dam staff was also monitoring the Elk Rapids Hydrodam and its Spillway. Though there was no immediate danger, there is a heightened level of concern about the safety and stability of the Spillway.

An agreement was recently approved by the Village of Elk Rapids, Elk Rapids and Milton Townships, and Antrim County. The agreement outlines funding sources for a preliminary engineering study that will provide an analysis of alternatives rehabilitating the Spillway. – Submitted by Leslie Meyers, Antrim County Drain Commissioner

Elk Rapids High School
Class of 2026
Valedictorian & Salutatorian

File photo

Valedictorian
Hannah Doctor

Throughout her high school career, Hannah Doctor was a member of both the Elk Rapids robotics team and the color guard, serving as color guard captain for three years. She has performed with Alden Dance Academy for 13 years and was the secretary of the National Honor Society. She received a Certificate of Merit from the Society of Women Engineers as well as College Board recognitions as an AP student. In the fall, Hannah plans to attend Ferris State University to study pre-pharmacy through their honors program. Hannah is the daughter of Pam and Randy Doctor of Kewadin, Michigan

File photo

Salutatorian
Lucas Hibbard

Throughout high school, Lucas Hibbard was a member of the concert, marching and jazz bands. He also was a member of the FIRST robotics team for four years, during which the team qualified for and competed at the Michigan State Championship. He participated in National Honor Society and was honored as a 2026 National Merit Scholar Semifinalist. In addition to attending Elk Rapids High School, Lucas also attended the North Ed Career Tech Engineering Academy, where he was honored as a Principal’s Honor Roll recipient all four semesters of attendance. Through the Engineering Academy, he dual enrolled in NMC calculus classes. Additionally, he participated in a partner dance every year with the Alden Dance Academy. Lucas plans to attend the University of Michigan in the fall to study robotics. Lucas Hibbard is the son of Tim and Susan Hibbard of Elk Rapids, Michigan.

2025-2026 Elk Rapids High School Awards

Scholarships & Awards
Post 114 AMVETS Auxiliary
Jackson Garrow

Rotary Club of Elk Rapids
Cora Moore, Gavin Chile

Gene Veliquette Memorial
Kathryn Wonacott, Nora Wnek, Sophia McDonald, Jayden Hresko

Elk Rapids Scholarship
Kathryn Wonacott, Rhielynn Skrocki

ER Industrial Development Corporation
Xander Rich

Navy ROTC Nursing Scholarship
Brynne Schulte

Yuba Historical Society Scholarship
Gavin Chile, Kody Bratchi, Audrey Nicholson

Don Glowicki Scholarship
Jayden Hresko, Laci Springborn

Ed and Nessa Laing Scholarship
Owen Perez

Suzanne Cline-Walthour Memorial Scholarship
Jonah DenHerder

Bennie M. Kline Scholarship
Owen Perez

Elk Rapids Scholarship
Kathryn Wonacott

Miss Elk Rapids Award
Sophia McDonald

Alpha Beta Award
Evelyn Bruso

EREA Scholarship
Kathryn Wonacott

MHSAA Multi-Sport Athletic Award
Trey Dennis, Braden Fluty, Jayden Hresko, Anna Pray, Rhielynn Skrocki

MHSAA Scholar Athlete Award
Brynne Schulte, Anna Pray, Brooke Fluty, Rhielynn Skrocki

Senior Scholar Athletes
Rhielynn Skrocki, Brooke Fluty, Jayden Hresko, Braden Fluty

Top 12 & Salutatorian/Valedictorian
Ashlen Burch, Emily Markey, Jonah DenHerder, Elliott Mast, Hannah Doctor (Valedictorian), Audrey Nicholson, Jackson Garrow, Edison Pike, Lucas Hibbard (Salutatorian), Brynne Schulte, Elle Lavely, Nora Wnek

Department Awards
Math – Brynne Schulte

Vocal Music – Elliot Mast

Instrumental Music – Janelle DeSantiago, Emily Markey

Physical Education – Zac Cadwell, Rhielynn Skrocki

Art – Evangeline Dolack

Science – Hannah Doctor

Social Studies – Jackson Garrow, Owen Render, Arthur Johnson

Launch to Leadership

2022 pilot Launch to Leadership cohort Emma Macaluso shares stories with students. Courtesy photo

Launch to Leadership celebrated its fifth year of leadership development at Elk Rapids Schools last week. Twenty-five youth stepped out of their comfort zones for a day of leadership discussions, team building, and fun at the YMCA Camp Hayo Went Ha on Torch Lake.

The day started with climbing a 50-foot climbing wall, flying down a 70-foot zipline, and then teaming up in archery battles. The youth caught their breath during a break as Emma Macaluso shared stories from her leadership and college experiences. Emma was in the 2022 pilot Launch to Leadership cohort and just graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Public Policy. One of Emma’s stories found particular resonance with the students. When surveyed, every student’s primary takeaway from the day was related to this story.

High school junior Katie Vanderheide shared: “My main takeaway was that it’s ok to take life as it comes. A failure doesn’t mean your life is over. It just means it’s redirection or a setback, and sometimes that turns out to be better than what you had imagined for yourself previously.”

Storytelling is a foundational part of the Launch program. During our core program for the 2025/2026 school year, four exemplary leaders shared their stories for the youth to explore as case studies: Community Development Leader and ERHS alumni Leah Bagden McCallum; Hagerty Sales and Partnership Executive Bryant Kolle; US Air Force Brigadier General and ERHS alumni Scott Dennis; and Tribal Judge and Educator JoAnne Cook.

These leaders joined our fall and winter cohorts, each with 12 participants from grades 7 through 12. One day a week, over six weeks, participants traveled to places throughout the community where leadership happens, engaging in leadership activities and interviews. The primary goal is for participants to explore and adopt the Vowels of Leadership, namely, to be: Active, Empathetic, Informed, Open, Unshakeable, and to have a can-do “Yes!” factor. After a leader shares a story, the participants identify where they heard the Vowels of Leadership and how they can apply the same kind of leadership in their own lives. When interviewing JoAnne Cook, a member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, we were particularly excited to have the ERHS Native Youth Leadership Council join us in this process.

As Launch to Leadership enters its sixth year, the program continues to create meaningful opportunities for young people to challenge themselves, connect with inspiring community leaders, and discover their own capacity to lead. Through shared stories and thoughtful reflection, students are putting the Vowels of Leadership into action. As Emma shared, “Having been through four years of college, full of ups and downs, I loved returning to share the impact Launch has had on my own life. I shared stories of failure, changes in plans, and how I navigated them all with an unshakable mindset. As I look forward to my future, I am saying “YES!” to adventure and as many opportunities in leadership as I can!”

The Latest from the Library

Did You Know
Summer Reading – Unearth a Story Kick Off Party! – Dig into great books, discover exciting activities, and join us for a summer of reading and adventure. We’ll kick things off during Storytime on Friday, 6/12 10:30 a.m.

Readers of all ages - Track your reading progress, earn raffle tickets for great prizes, and participate in fun, hands-on library activities all summer long. Pick up your reading log today.

Family Lawn Games - starting Monday, June 15, from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Follow our Events Calendar and social media to keep up with the fun for the whole family.

Books on Tap: We will have small group discussions about When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill while we enjoy some hand-crafted cocktails. Tues 6/9, 6:00-7:00 p.m. @Ethanology

Tech Help just got easier to remember! Tuesdays and Thursdays will now both be 1:00-2:30 p.m. at the library. Bring your questions and your devices.

SAVE THE DATE – Ground Breaking June 30 @4:00 p.m. at 8980 Cairn Hwy!
Come celebrate this milestone with us! Details to follow.

Upcoming Programs:
•   Storytime at the Library: Fri 6/5, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
•   Sunday Knitters: Sun 6/7, 2:00-3:30 p.m.
•   Chess Mondays: Mon 6/8, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
•   Books on Tap: Tues 6/9, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
•   Tech Help: Tues 6/9 and Thurs 6/11, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
•   Library Trustee Meeting: Thurs 6/11, 5-6 p.m. @Village Government Offices
•   ER Knitters: Thurs 6/11, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
•   Kick Off Party @Storytime at the Library: Fri 6/12, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

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

VILLAGE OF ELK RAPIDS
Village Council approves amended harbor budget

By Mark McAlpine, Contributing Writer

The Elk Rapids Village Council met for their regular meeting on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Village Manager David Tait, Clerk Jeremy Beger, Treasurer Kristine Davis, and Zoning Administrator Sara Kopriva attended and participated in the meeting. All council members were present. A motion was made and passed to approve an amended agenda.

Village President Tom Stephenson presented the consent agenda. That agenda included an authorization to process payroll and minutes from the regular council meeting on May 19, Beautification meeting on May 21, and Planning Commission meeting on February 24 and March 24. A request was made to modify the May 19 council minutes. Following that change, a motion was made to approve the amended consent agenda. That motion was approved.

David Tait provided his written manager report and verbal updates to that report. The updates included an overview of the completed harbor dredging project, feedback from the recently completed trash drop-off program, plans to complete a final walkthrough for the Mitchell Street sewer project, and confirmation of the planned June 3 Rotary Park ribbon cutting. A motion was made and passed to accept the village manager report as submitted.

As unfinished business, Harbormaster Mike Singleton provided an overview of his responsibilities as well as the work requirements of his staff for the harbor. This overview led to a council review of a request from Singleton for a budget adjustment to allow him to hire additional staff for the summer harbor season. Budget cuts in the 2026 budget had forced the harbor to operate within an 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily schedule. Singleton estimated that the shortened day would limit the harbor’s ability to sell fuel and meet the overall service requirements for the harbor. Singleton submitted a formal request to add $50,000 to his payroll budget to allow him to expand operation hours. Following discussion, a motion was made and passed to approve the request.

Also, as unfinished business, the council reviewed proposed changes to the short-term rental licensing ordinance prior to opening a public hearing for those changes. Zoning Administrator Sara Kopriva led the council to a review of the proposed changes. Several council members expressed concerns about the clarity of the ordinance. Following those discussions, a motion was made to open a public hearing. Comments were received from the public before the public hearing was closed. A decision has been made to revise the ordinance language and bring it back to the council for a final review and new public hearing at the June 16 meeting.

In new business, Village Treasurer Kristine Davis presented two resolutions to the council. Resolution 2026-18 confirmed the millage rate for the 2026 village summer taxes. According to Davis, the taxable value in the village increased 11% in the past year. The village had budgeted for a 3% increase. A motion was made and passed to adopt the new millage rate.

Resolution 2026-19 was presented asking for authorization to place liens on properties that were not current on their taxes. Following discussions, the council passed a motion to approve resolution 2026-19.

The next regular Village Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the Government Center.

Bright Stones Project

On May 16, a small but dedicated group of volunteers from Elk Rapids Rotary and Elk Rapids Township gathered at Maple Grove Cemetery to lead a hands-on day of caring act of respect to preserve the headstones and honor the legacies of those who served. They began by first cleaning and sprucing up veterans headstones, then continued to do the remainder of headstones at the cemetery.

Members of Elk Rapids Rotary and Elk Rapids Township. Courtesy photo

Reinvented Dexter Hotel wants its café and lounge to be “the Elk Rapids living room”

Artwork adorns every wall, much of it with local flavor. Photo by Graydon DeCamp

By Graydon DeCamp, Contributing Writer

Prepare yourself, Elk Rapids, for the new Dexter Hotel – a boutique hospitality venture unlike anything our town has enjoyed before.

The four-year-old property at 112 Dexter St., undergoing remodeling for several months, has been completely redesigned and will fully reopen soon as a complete, year-round hotel with 29 rooms, six of them two-room luxury suites, a fully staffed bar, and day-long food service.

The kitchen, café and bar will be up and running in mid-to-late June, according to Daniel Caudill of Northport, who designed the remake. Kamron Bijeh-Apple, his partner in Kinship Hospitality, will manage hotel operations. The team has credentials: They were also involved in Detroit’s upscale Shinola Hotel and the charming Otis a few miles up the “Tunnel of Trees” from Harbor Springs, which was recently praised lavishly on air by the Today Show’s Jenna Bush Hager.

The remade Dexter will open for new guests in June, although a few parties that had booked last year are being checked in early and told the remodeling is unfinished and that they’ll have no food or beverage service.

When The Dexter renovation is complete, the property’s spacious bar-cafe, called The Noble, will have 20 leather-cushioned seats at the bar, plus table seating for 20 or more in the adjoining lounge overlooking Elk River, Kids’ Pond, the Marina and the bay. A seasonal porch for another 20 overlooks the pond.

Open year-round, the Dexter Hotel emphasizes Michigan. Caudill, who lives in Northport and also has an antiques business there, chose or designed it all, from spaces and paint to made-to-order furniture from Grand Rapids. Traverse City’s Britten made such ornamentals as ceiling lighting, tiles and wallpaper. Artist Phil Wilson’s “ClayPlay” in Traverse designed bathroom pottery and accessories.

Dexter chef John Korycki was sous chef at Chicago’s Spiaggia before the Covid pandemic shuttered it, and later executive chef at Milwaukee’s Harbor House. He traded big-city life for northern Michigan to become chef at Leelanau’s Black Star Farm and an instructor in NMC’s culinary program. He is now working on a small-plates menu for The Dexter, emphasizing what he calls Mediterranean flavors, as well as some Polish specialties he learned from his Polish immigrant parents.

“We’ll be starting off,” he said, “with a Lemon Ravioli as a small-plate option. And we’re going to have some rosemary crackers with three different spreads – a smoked whitefish brandade, a red-pepper dip, and an olive tapenade.” The menu will also feature northern Michigan cheesemakers and farm produce.

Bartender Tony DiMaria comes directly from Caudill’s and Bijeh-Apple’s Otis and was formerly at Detroit’s Sugar House. His focus, he said, is on unique cocktails he calls “molecular mixology,” including several non-alcoholic ones.

Both he and Korycki are already on site preparing for opening day.

Interesting art adorns every wall at the Dexter, much of it with local flavor. There’s even a painting of the famous Elk Rapids swan.

Caudill says he knows it will take time to develop loyal clientele but draws from his experience with Otis in Harbor Springs which he says is often packed after just two years. My wife and I were there overnight last week for dinner with four friends, there wasn’t an empty seat in the café.

Caudill said that in opening the Dexter Hotel and its Noble Bar, “I’m trying to create a place I’d call ‘Elk Rapids’ living room,’ a place where, when you go, they know your name.

Creativity Cruiser launches this summer to bring free art supplies to children

Courtesy photo

This summer, creativity is hitting the road!

Art & Connection’s Creativity Cruiser, a new mobile art studio dedicated to bringing free art supplies and creative experiences directly to children throughout Elk Rapids and neighboring communities, is officially launching with the support of the Reid Family Foundation.

Designed to remove financial and transportation barriers that often limit access to the arts, the Creativity Cruiser will travel throughout the region delivering free art materials, hands-on projects, and opportunities for children to explore creativity in a welcoming and inspiring environment.

The initiative reflects the mission of the Reid Family Foundation: providing “the gift of possibility” to those who otherwise may not have it. Through this project, the Reid Family Foundation hopes to use art as a powerful unifier and healer within the community while encouraging imagination, self-expression, and connection among local youth.

“Art has the ability to inspire confidence, spark joy, and help children process and express emotions in meaningful ways,” said Sheri Reid Grant, president of the Reid Family Foundation. “Every child deserves the opportunity to create, regardless of financial circumstances or access to transportation. The Creativity Cruiser exists to make those opportunities available to everyone.”

Throughout the summer, the Creativity Cruiser will make scheduled stops at parks, neighborhoods, community events, and gathering spaces across six communities, offering children free supplies and creative activities designed to engage artists of all ages and skill levels.

Art & Connection and the Reid Family Foundation believes that investing in creativity is an investment in stronger, healthier communities. By making art supplies accessible and inclusive, the Creativity Cruiser aims to foster connection, healing, and possibility throughout Northern Michigan.

Community members are encouraged to follow the Creativity Cruiser’s journey this summer through upcoming schedules, events, and community partnerships.

The Creativity Cruiser schedule can be found on Art & Connection’s website: www.artandconnection.org. For additional information, partnership opportunities, or to support the Creativity Cruiser initiative, please contact: Sheri Reid Grant, President cc: Art & Connection/Reid Family Foundation. Phone: 231-498-2522 or email: [email protected]

Elk Rapids-based Great Lakes RV Solar Solutions helps expand accessibility program

The Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes is expanding its renowned Bear Tracks accessibility program with the help of Elk Rapids-based Great Lakes RV Solar Solutions. New solar panels from Great Lakes are now attached to the Friends’ track chair trailer, allowing access to additional trails through the use of solar power. By cutting the cord, the track chairs can now be used on the park’s popular Alligator Hill trail, expanding access for all to the beauty of the Lakeshore. This expansion follows the Friends’ recent addition of a wheelchair bike for use on the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail in 2025.
The track chair program will run daily from May 22 through October 11, 2026 (excluding July 4), and reservations for both the track chairs and wheelchair bicycle are now open at https://www.friendsofsleepingbear.org/accessibility.