Caughtcha being Good!

Little Elks Homecoming
Lemonade Stand

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Charlotte Reffitt, Alice Cannon, Maya O’Connell, Eli Petrovich, Olivia Campbell. front: Archie Petrovich. Courtesy photo
Members of the Little Elks Homecoming lemonade stand raised $157 each for Project Graduation 2026 and for Waterside Wellness’ mindfulness and meditation programming at Lakeland Elementary. This was the third year for the fundraising lemonade stand, with proceeds previously going to the Lakeland playground fund and Lakeland’s Backpack Club/Snack Fund. When asked why they picked Project Graduation, Little Elk Alice Cannon said, “Because my brother is a senior this year and we wanted to help!” Caughtcha being GOOD and thank you, Little Elks!

Giving Tree

The Village Market’s Giving Tree is in full swing! Grab a tag, take it to the cashier to sign it out and bring your gift back, unwrapped, by November 30! Thank you in advance for all your help!! –Jenny & Vicki, Elk Rapids Village Market
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Courtesy photo

The Dam Race & The Dam Dash

Elk Rapids Project Graduation 2026 will host The Dam Race 5K and The Dam Dash 1-Mile Fun Run on Sunday, November 9, with proceeds supporting the Elk Rapids High School Class of 2026 Project Graduation celebration.

The event will start and finish at The Dam Shop, 118 Bridge St., Elk Rapids. Packet pick-up will take place on race day from 12:00–1:00 p.m. The Dam Dash 1-Mile begins at 1:00 p.m. followed by The Dam Race 5K at 1:30 p.m. Registration is available at: https://runsignup.com/Race?raceId=137931

Lakeside Properties of Elk Rapids joins Real Estate One 

Lakeside Properties of Elk Rapids has joined the Real Estate One Family of Companies, Michigan’s largest and leading real estate company. News of the merger was publicly announced on July 24, 2025. 

Lakeside Properties has spent over four decades building Elk Rapids’ most established and experienced real estate brokerage, known for delivering exceptional service to both buyers and sellers. Their reputation for professionalism, extensive market knowledge, and unwavering integrity aligns seamlessly with the values of our family of companies. We are pleased to welcome owner Dennis Irelan, along with his daughters Darci and Dana, and their dedicated team of 10 agents, as they join forces with our well-established Real Estate One Elk Rapids office. 

“We are proud and excited to bring Lakeside’s experience and market reputation to our Family,” said Dan Elsea, the President of Brokerage Services for the Real Estate One Family of Companies. He added, “This merger improves our number one position in Antrim County to three times that of our next closest competitor!”
The Real Estate One Elk Rapids office will transition into the Lakeside Properties location, operating under the Real Estate One brand. The combined office will be led by Wayne Toteff, who will oversee the integration and continued success of the team. Clients can expect the same tradition of exceptional service and dedication from their trusted sales associates — now supported by the expanded tools, technology, and resources of Michigan’s leading real estate family, ensuring an even more seamless and successful real estate experience.

Lions Club accepting fall grant applications

The Elk Rapids Lions Club is currently accepting Organizational Grant Request applications this fall for community projects that support the club’s mission of “serving the community.” 

Applications will only be accepted if they are received between now and Friday, November 21, 2025.

The Organizational Grant Requests should be from Elk Rapids and surrounding areas. “This process gives us the ability to proactively fundraise over and above our annual events as we become aware of special community needs,” said Club President Shirley Hill.

For more information or an application, organizations should contact Hill at 231-258-4894 ([email protected]) or Dave Lein at 231-620-5707 ([email protected]). Applications may also be downloaded directly by visiting: https://eclubhouse.org/userfiles/4521/file/OrgRequestForm(1).pdf

Individual medical and emergency assistance
The Lions Club also accepts requests and responds to emergency assistance from individuals for eyeglasses, hearing aids and other emergency-related needs throughout the year.

For individual requests and an application, visit https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/elkrapids/page-6.php, contact Hill at 231-258-4894 ([email protected]) or Lein at 231-620-5707 ([email protected]) for more information.

Names of individuals applying for assistance always remain anonymous. Group and organizational projects supported by the Lions are publicly announced when they are awarded.
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The Elk Rapids Lions Club has been actively supporting community projects since 1969.

ANTRIM COUNTY Voters approve county safety center

Antrim County voters approved the proposition for a new county Safety Center as presented on the November 4 ballot. According to uncertified results published by the county, the proposition was approved by a margin of 317 with 3,253 yes votes against 2,936 no votes.

Elk Rapids, Milton, and Torch Lake Township voters played a key role in the success of the proposition. Elk Rapids, including the village, approved the measure by a 630 to 240 count. Milton Township approved the plan by a margin of 472 to 257. Torch Lake also gave its support with a vote of 262 to 160.

County Commissioner and Board Chair Bill Hefferan expressed his appreciation for the local support. “I am again humbled to represent the Milton and Elk Rapids Townships,” he said. “I am amazed that every time they are asked to step up and support our law enforcement officers they do so overwhelmingly. Thank you to all who voted yes. To my friends and neighbors who have concerns, I will continue to try to earn your support for the project. The easy job is over, now the hard part begins: to build a public safety center on time and under budget that meets the needs of our community for the next 75 years.”
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With voter approval, the county board is expected to move quickly to complete engineering and architectural work needed to finalize plans and construction cost bids for the $27 million project. The hope is to complete the project by early 2027. The new facility is designed to expand county services and replace the aging 70-year-old county jail. The building will be headquarters for the Antrim County Sheriff Department, a new 56-bed jail, the 911 dispatch center, county emergency management and training center, and new mental health and substance abuse services for the general public. 

VILLAGE OF ELK RAPIDS
​Elk Rapids DDA announces new signage installation 

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New signage installation begins in Elk Rapids. Photo by KLW
The Elk Rapids Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is excited to announce the installation of new wayfinding signage throughout the DDA district. This week, residents and visitors will start to see these fresh, thoughtfully designed signs going up, making it easier to navigate our charming village. 
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The project began in summer 2024 with a Request for Proposal (RFP) process to select a vendor to design, fabricate, and install new signage throughout the village. A steering committee composed of representatives from the village staff, boards and commissions, the Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Elk Rapids Historical Society reviewed four initial design concepts. In February 2025, the committee selected and presented two design themes for public input. 

The DDA is proud to see the first phase come to life this week after the initial Memorial Day installation timeframe encountered external delays. “We’re excited to see this vision become reality,” said John Mach, Executive Director of the Elk Rapids DDA. “These new wayfinding signs are just the start of enhancing the visitor and resident experience in Elk Rapids.” 

The second phase of the broader signage initiative is planned for spring 2026. Phase 2 includes a new monument sign at River Street and US-31 and any updates to the Phase 1 signage. The DDA will continue working with the village and the community to ensure a welcoming and easy-to-navigate downtown experience. 

For more information about this project, please visit www.elkrapids.org/downtown-development-authority or contact: John Mach – Executive Director, Elk Rapids Downtown Development Authority [email protected] 

Antrim Ski Academy annual equipment and clothing sale   

Antrim Ski Academy will hold their 30th annual equipment and clothing sale, Saturday, November 29, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the Grand Ballroom in The Lakeview Hotel at Summit Village at Shanty Creek. This sale will feature new and used ski and snowboard equipment and clothing.

People with equipment and/or clothing to sell may drop these items off at the swap location, Friday, November 28, 5-8 p.m. and again 8-10 a.m. on Saturday. Proceeds from this year’s swap will benefit the Great North Academy (Elk Rapids/St. Francis/Central Lake/Bellaire) High School Ski Team and the Antrim Ski Academy lesson programs. Swap proceeds help keep the skiing and snowboarding clinic costs affordable. For additional information, contact Julie at 231-676-0235 or any other board member, www.antrimskiacademy.com.

The Latest from the Library

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Did You Know?
Our Winter Hours began in November. 
Monday through Thursday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Fridays 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturdays 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sundays 1-4 p.m.

Vaccine Clinic at the library: The Meijer pharmacist will be here offering flu, COVID-19, and pneumonia vaccines by appointments or walk-ins. Additional vaccines available by appointment only. Call 231-264-9979. Mon, 11/10, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Way to Grow: Miss Kate is teaming up with the Tumble Time group again this week! Tues, 11/11, 10:00-11:00 a.m. @Lakeland Elementary.

Crafty Bookworms: Teens & Tweens – Step into the world of Wings of Fire for an afternoon of fiery fun, creative crafts and dragon lore inspired by Tui T. Sutherland’s epic fantasy series. Tues, 11/11, 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Books on Tap: Join us for small group discussions about The Briar Club by Kate Quinn while enjoying handcrafted cocktails. Thurs, 11/13, 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Upcoming Programs
•    Storytime at the Library: Fri, 11/7, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
•    Way to Grow: Tues, 11/11, 10:00-11:00 a.m. @Lakeland Elementary
•    Tech Help: Tues 11/11, 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Thurs, 11/13, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
•    Crafty Bookworms: Tues, 11/11, 3:00-4:00 p.m.
•    Charcuterie Class: (*Full* Registered only) Wed, 11/12, 5:00-6:00 p.m. @Art & Connection
•    Storytime at the Library: Thurs, 11/13, 10:30-11:30 a.m.    
•    ER Knitters: Thurs, 11/13, 2:00-4:00 p.m. 
•    Library Trustee Meeting: Thurs, 11/13, 5:00-6:00 p.m. @ER Government Offices
•    Books on Tap: Thurs, 11/13, 6:00-7:00 p.m. @Ethanology
•    Storytime at the Library: Fri, 11/14, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

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