Caughtcha being Good!

Waterside Wellness

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Courtesy photo
The women of Waterside Wellness – Alice Rubert, Melissa Knoll, Jennifer Brown, and Addison Jacobs – are dedicated to bringing calm, confidence, and emotional well-being to our Elk Rapids community, including students and staff at Lakeland Elementary. 
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Volunteering their time and talents, this generous team has expanded their mindfulness enrichment opportunities at Lakeland this year to four days a week. Students in grades 3-5 have the opportunity, with parent consent, to participate in guided Mindfulness Enrichment sessions, and teachers and staff can enjoy 15-minute chair massages every Friday.

Owners Alice and Melissa were recently honored with the Young Professionals of the Year Award by the Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce in recognition of their exceptional leadership, community impact and involvement, and dedication to their careers.

They have launched their own nonprofit, Waterside4Wellness, to further support and sustain their mission to create safe and soothing environments that nurture our youngest community members – our children – while supporting the well-being and resilience of the dedicated staff and teachers who guide and inspire them, fostering a ripple effect into our community.

Students, teachers, and staff describe the sessions as a welcome opportunity to pause, reset, and build tools for managing stress – skills that support both academic success and overall well-being.

The Waterside Wellness team’s commitment – offered entirely at no cost to the school – is a rare and remarkable gift, and our community is truly fortunate to have such compassionate leaders investing so deeply in the well-being of our children and educators. Well done and thank you, Alice Rubert, Melissa Knoll, Jennifer Brown, and Addison Jacobs! 

CORRECTION: ​

In the first of the two-part series “Coming soon in 2026,” the completion date for the new library was incorrect. The goal is to move into the new building by August 1, 2027. We apologize for the error – Editor

New Year’s Eve Ball Drop in Elk Rapids

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The Elk Rapids community welcomed the new year at the annual ball drop. Photo courtesy of Elk Rapids Chamber of Commerce
The Elk Rapids Ball Drop, brought to you by GETA Design and My Michigan Roots, went incredibly smoothly and was filled with smiles all around. “New Year’s Eve may have been cold, but the warmth of our community made the celebration unforgettable, creating joyful memories to start 2026,” said Doug Leahy, owner of GETA Design.

Words of Faith

Pointed the right direction

You may not know the name Jim Moylan, but chances are he has pointed you in the right direction more times than you can count.

Jim passed away on December 11 in southeast Michigan at the age of 80. While his name may not be familiar, his idea quietly reaches billions of people every day. Here’s Jim’s story.
 
Back in 1986 on a rainy April day, Jim – an engineer for Ford Motor Company – was driving a company car when he stopped to fill up for gas. He parked at the pump, stepped out into the rain, only to realize the gas tank was on the other side of the vehicle.  I’m sure you’ve been in his shoes!  It’s that small, yet irritating 1st world problem that often requires an awkward 5-point turn to get on the right side of the pump.

Later that same day, Jim drafted a memo to his superiors suggesting a simple fix to this everyday American dilemma.  His suggestion? Put a symbol (or arrow) on the dashboard of passenger vehicles indicating which side the gas tank is on. 

The idea was warmly received, soon making its debut on the 1989 Ford Thunderbird. Not long after, other car manufacturers followed suit.  Today, in case you are not aware, every vehicle has a small arrow next to your fuel gauge that points you in the right direction – all thanks to Jim! A Wall Street Journal article on January 2 put it this way: “What began as an idea when one person got rained on became a simple and brilliant invention that would reach billions.”

As I reflect on Jim’s legacy, I’m reminded how powerful it can be to simply point people in the right direction. 

As a pastor in our community for nearly 30 years, my heartbeat for people in northern Michigan is that each of you discovers a vibrant personal faith in the Lord Jesus – one that is lived out in the context of a gospel-saturated local church. More than anything else, I want you to have a love for Jesus that forgives you of sin, frees you from addiction, and assures you of eternity.  

And make no mistake – that faith in Jesus, though personal, is not intended to be private. Rather, it is meant to be lived out within a loving community called the local church, where we gather regularly to help point one other in the right direction.

So here is a practical action step as we move forward into the new year. The next time you pull into the gas station, look at that arrow indicator and remember two things. First, remember that the arrow was a brilliant invention by a Ford engineer to point you in the right direction. Second, remember that God, himself, took on the form of flesh in the person of His Son, Jesus, to take our sin upon Himself and point us in the direction of eternal glory.  

May you find hope in Him this year. 

Craig Trierweiler is Senior Pastor of New Hope Community Church in Williamsburg, Michigan. A graduate of Moody Bible Institute and Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, he is passionate about helping people love and obey Jesus through the clear and relevant teaching of God’s Word.

CENTURY 21 Northland welcomes Cherese Villareal ​

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CENTURY 21 Northland is pleased to welcome Cherese Villareal to its Elk Rapids office. Drawn to northern Michigan after a summer visit to Bellaire, Cherese quickly found her place in the community and brings that same sense of connection and care to her real estate practice. Known for her patience and clear communication, she guides clients through the buying and selling process with confidence, clarity, and calm.

Cherese holds a Juris Doctorate from Oklahoma City University School of Law, giving her a strong foundation in contracts and details while keeping her focus on making each transaction approachable and understandable. Deeply involved in the community, she is active with the Antrim Women’s Alliance and her church, and she is passionate about serving clients throughout Elk Rapids and the surrounding area.
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Contact her today. [email protected] or 580-471-7778.

ELK RAPIDS TOWNSHIP
Elk Rapids Township Update

By Mark McAlpine, Contributing Writer  

The Elk Rapids Township Board met for their regular meeting on Monday, January 12 at the Government Center. Board Trustee Matt Soper and Township Treasurer Kelly Jensen were absent from the meeting. Township Attorney Thad Morgan was present and participated in the meeting. 

The agenda was approved as presented. The consent agenda was accepted as presented. That agenda included minutes from the December 8 regular meeting and December 17 special township board meetings, the zoning and treasurer’s reports, authorization to pay outstanding bills, and approval of budget adjustments for the current fiscal year.

A motion was presented to approve state-required training for the township tax board of review (BOR) members and alternates. That training is scheduled for January 12 in Charlevoix. The motion was approved for the BOR training. A motion was also made to approve resolution 2026-1 that details the revised 2026 Poverty Exemption Guidelines. Those guidelines determine the reduction in principal residence property taxes allowed for homeowners who are unable to pay property taxes due to economic circumstances. The Board of Review (BOR) determines eligibility. The motion was passed to approved resolution 2026-1.

Antrim County Sheriff Kevin Hoch presented the 2025 year-end activity for Elk Rapids Township. Hoch reported that three new cadets will begin training and join his staff upon completion of training. New vehicles have been leased for 2026. He expects those vehicles to be on the road by the end of January. 

County Commissioner Bill Hefferan provided his report. He confirmed that he will continue as the board chairperson for 2026. County Commissioner Jarris Rubingh will serve as the board co-chair. Hefferan provided an update on the progress of the dam and spillway assessment project. According to Hefferan, 70% of the properties in the assessment districts are located in Antrim County. Ten percent are located in Charlevoix, Kalkaska, and Grand Traverse counties. Hefferan also provided an overview of the planning and timing for the new Antrim County Safety Center.

Fire Department Chief Ken Williamson presented the annual EMS report as submitted by MMR, which is contracted in Elk Rapids village and township and Milton Township for ambulance services. Williamson also presented the annual report for the Elk Rapids Fire Department. He reported that the fire department is currently at full staff. Williamson confirmed that the new pumper truck is in service. The old vehicle will be put up for sale. 

Township Supervisor Dorance Amos led the board to a discussion for a recommended increase in the sewer rate for 2026. The board members received a written recommendation from Treasurer Kelly Jensen for a $.90 increase. Amos indicated that the recommended rate increase will be finalized at the February meeting. 

Attorney Thad Morgan reported that he is moving to the Clark Hill law firm in Lansing, Michigan. Amos made a motion to approve the transfer of township records to Clark Hill. According to Amos, a request to move the township records has already been made. The motion was approved.

In board announcements, Amos provided an update on cemetery maintenance plans over the winter months, That work will include cleanup and tree removal. Township Clerk Debbie Husband provided an overview of committee recommendations for improvements to the cemetery over the next year. 

The next township board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 9, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

ELK RAPIDS SCHOOLS
School Board Update

By Mark McAlpine, Contributing Writer

The Elk Rapids School Board started the New Year with an organizational and regular meeting on Monday, January 12, 2026. Jennifer Brown, Sherry Steffen, and Darryl Antcliff were absent. Superintendent Bryan McKenna, Executive Assistant Kortni Huron, and Director of Finance Laurie McCann attended and participated in the meeting.
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The first order of business in the organizational meeting was the election of school board officers. Jennifer Brown was chosen as President, Tara Kribs as Vice-President, Sherry Steffen as Secretary, and Scott Moore as Treasurer. Zachary Fredrickson, representing accounting firm UHY LLP, presented the 2024-2025 Elk Rapids Schools District Audit. Fredrickson reviewed key audit comments and findings. He confirmed that the school district had received an “unqualified” opinion, which is the best rating possible for the district. Following questions, a motion was made and passed to approve the 2024-2025 audit as the first item in action items.

A list of required annual action items was addressed in the organizational meeting. Those items included approval of bank signatories, authorizations to make bank deposits, approval of the board president and superintendent as board liaisons with the state and community, meeting notice responsibilities, authorizations for ACH and wire transfers, authorization of superintendent to approve and sign contracts not to exceed $100,000, limitations for bid threshold of $31,321 for the 2025-2026 school year, designation of the director of finance responsibilities, approval of 2026 board meeting dates, designation of study session topics, and the establishment of key committee assignments.

The first meeting adjourned, and the board entered into their regular board meeting. Vice-President Tara Kribs led the meeting for the absent Board President Jennifer Brown. The agenda was approved without changes. The board took special presentations from Superintendent Bryan McKenna and the Elk Rapids High School Band Director Nick Anderson. McKenna presented recognition certificates to board members as part of School Board Recognition Month. High School Principal Jack Young introduced Anderson. Anderson provided an overview of the Disney band trip. He confirmed that the Elk Rapids High School band performances have been posted to the band Facebook page. High School Freshman Pierce McCarty provided comments from the student perspective for purpose and highlights for the trip. 

A motion was made to accept the consent agenda as presented. That agenda included minutes from the December 8 regular meeting, approval of general fund, bond, daycare, lunch fund, and trust payments, and approvals for multiple personnel changes. The personnel changes included the approval of Liz Kelley and Sara Barton as paraprofessionals at Lakeland Elementary, acceptance of the resignations of Ryan Janis as the JV baseball coach, Keith Schulte as the varsity girls tennis coach, and Nathan Butte as Facilities & Operations Supervisor.   

In action items, the board approved a band trip to the February 5 Jazz Lab held in Mount Pleasant. The board also announced the receipt of the resignation of Darryl Antcliff from the school board. A motion was passed to accept the resignation. The board thanked Antcliff for his board involvement. 

Superintendent McKenna presented a midyear goal review as a discussion item. McKenna noted that the goals are related to school district strategic plans. McKenna recommended that he bring back this review at the February meeting to capture more student achievements after exams. He also provided a bond and professional development update for the board. 

One half day of school is scheduled on Thursday, January 15 and Friday, January 16 for students. There is no school on Monday, January 19 for students. That day will be a Professional Development Day for the staff. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for February 9 at 5:30 p.m. in the high school library.

The Latest from the Library

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Did You Know?
We’re Hiring: Join the Fun at Your Library! 
Love books, people, and being part of something that truly makes a difference in the community? We are looking for a cheerful, detail-oriented Library Assistant to join our amazing team! From helping patrons find their next great read to keeping our shelves looking sharp, this role is perfect for someone who enjoys people, organization, and can navigate change as we move into the new library facility in 2027.

Curious? Visit our website or stop by the library to learn more and apply.

Stress Management Class: Join us for a Stress Management class with Diane Butler, RN. Learn simple techniques to reduce stress and leave feeling calm and centered. Registration required. Tues 1/20, 2:00-3:00 p.m. OR Thurs 1/22 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Wednesday After School Program: Join us for a Pokémon-filled event featuring games, crafts, and time to talk all things Pokémon. Drop in. Wed 1/21, 3:00-5:00 p.m. 

The Book Cellar now accepts PayPal and Venmo in addition to cash!

Upcoming Programs:
•    Storytime: Fri 1/16, 10:30-11:30 a.m. 
•    New!  Sunday Knitters Club: Sun 1/18, 2:00-3:30 p.m.
•    Chess Mondays: Mon 1/19, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
•    Tech Help: Tues 1/20, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and Thurs 1/15, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
•    Stress Management Class: Tues 1/20, 2:00-3:00 p.m. & Thurs 1/22, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
•    Puzzle Wednesdays: Wed 1/21, all day
•    After School Programs: Wed, 1/21, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
•    Storytime: Thurs 1/22, 10:30-11:30 a.m. 
•    ER Knitters: Thurs 1/22, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
•    Storytime: Fri 1/23, 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