Caughtcha being Good!
Sue Schumacher
Photo by Kristie Wolgamott
Sue Schumacher exemplifies the spirit of Caughtcha being GOOD repeatedly! Whether it be the PTA, Band Boosters, Art Rapids, Harbor Voices or the Elk Rapids Players, she has always been the go-to person to get something done. Audiences attending performances by the Elk Rapids Players may have seen her on stage as a Pigeon sister, Bloody Mary, Clara Johnson or in several other roles. But, according to Marcy Ford, it’s behind the scenes where she is just as valuable helping with props, costumes, and feeding everyone, often from her own pocketbook. She even provided the framed posters from ERP productions as well as the late Joni Braun artwork that adorns the HERTHA building. In recent years the ER Players have been writing and hosting monthly trivia nights in the off-season. Sue always arrives early to set up tables and chairs. She is the main door prize wrangler, again, at her own expense. Thank you, Sue, your help and kindness are invaluable and very much appreciated!
The 21st Century Veteran:
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Phoebe Benak drives her Bluey Car Toy. Courtesy photo
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Alice Cannon with a GOTRAX Edge Hoverboard. Courtesy photo
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A large group of very excited children participated in the Community Easter Egg Hunt on April 12. The annual event held at Cherryland Middle School is made possible by the hard work of volunteers and is funded by donations from the community and Elk Rapids businesses.
Phoebe Benak, participating in the 0-3 age group, won the Bluey Car Toy, and in the 9-11 age category, Alice Cannon won the GOTRAX Edge Hoverboard.
Phoebe Benak, participating in the 0-3 age group, won the Bluey Car Toy, and in the 9-11 age category, Alice Cannon won the GOTRAX Edge Hoverboard.
VILLAGE OF ELK RAPIDS
Planning Commission Meeting Update
By Mark McAlpine, Contributing Writer
The Elk Rapids Planning Commission met on April 22, 2025, for their regular monthly meeting. All commission members were present with the exception of Blaine Campbell. Zoning Administrator Sara Kopriva and Interim Village Manager Jae Guetschow participated in the meeting. The agenda was adopted as presented. Minutes from the February 25, 2025, meeting were approved as submitted.
In unfinished business, Chair Matt Conrad and Zoning Administrator Sara Kopriva led the commission on a long discussion of proposed changes to the Short-Term Rental (STR) Licensing Ordinance. The proposed changes were recommended for Section 9: Renewal, and the insertion of a new Section 10: Transfer of Ownership. Several current STR licensees attended in person and on zoom to raise questions about the transfer restrictions and why the new section was initiated without input from the current licensees. The new transfer language states that all transfers are prohibited with the exception of transfers to an immediate family member, co-owner of the property, or those properties held in trust. It was noted from the community participation that “immediate family” was not fully defined and there was no provision for transfer to a domestic partner. Following a thorough discussion, it was decided to bring the item back for the May Planning Commission meeting and provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to present their recommendations for the transfer section in the ordinance.
Also, in new business, Conrad led the board in a discussion of proposed amendments to a Workforce Housing Ordinance. The commission began a discussion on the subject at the February meeting. To continue the discussion, Conrad supplied a similar workforce housing ordinance from Frankfort, Michigan. The board hopes to look at more ordinances around the state that might serve as guidelines for an Elk Rapids ordinance. Conrad indicated there might be conflicts between R1 and R2 ordinances as well as conflicts with the Elk Rapids Township that will need to be resolved. Conrad reported that there are builders interested in developing properties that would have access to water and sewer in the village and township. It was decided to continue the review at the next meeting. The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
The Elk Rapids Planning Commission met on April 22, 2025, for their regular monthly meeting. All commission members were present with the exception of Blaine Campbell. Zoning Administrator Sara Kopriva and Interim Village Manager Jae Guetschow participated in the meeting. The agenda was adopted as presented. Minutes from the February 25, 2025, meeting were approved as submitted.
In unfinished business, Chair Matt Conrad and Zoning Administrator Sara Kopriva led the commission on a long discussion of proposed changes to the Short-Term Rental (STR) Licensing Ordinance. The proposed changes were recommended for Section 9: Renewal, and the insertion of a new Section 10: Transfer of Ownership. Several current STR licensees attended in person and on zoom to raise questions about the transfer restrictions and why the new section was initiated without input from the current licensees. The new transfer language states that all transfers are prohibited with the exception of transfers to an immediate family member, co-owner of the property, or those properties held in trust. It was noted from the community participation that “immediate family” was not fully defined and there was no provision for transfer to a domestic partner. Following a thorough discussion, it was decided to bring the item back for the May Planning Commission meeting and provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to present their recommendations for the transfer section in the ordinance.
Also, in new business, Conrad led the board in a discussion of proposed amendments to a Workforce Housing Ordinance. The commission began a discussion on the subject at the February meeting. To continue the discussion, Conrad supplied a similar workforce housing ordinance from Frankfort, Michigan. The board hopes to look at more ordinances around the state that might serve as guidelines for an Elk Rapids ordinance. Conrad indicated there might be conflicts between R1 and R2 ordinances as well as conflicts with the Elk Rapids Township that will need to be resolved. Conrad reported that there are builders interested in developing properties that would have access to water and sewer in the village and township. It was decided to continue the review at the next meeting. The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
MILTON TOWNSHIP
Milton Township Meeting Update
By Mark McAlpine, Contributing Writer
The Milton Township board met for their regular meeting on Monday, April 21, 2025. This was their first meeting at 9 a.m. on the third Monday of each month after approving that change at the annual meeting. All trustees and board members were in attendance. A motion was made and passed to approve the consent agenda. That agenda included minutes from the March 10 Board meeting, March 19 Budget hearing, Special Board Meetings on March 19 and April 10, the Treasurer report and authorization to pay a list of bills.
Antrim County Sheriff Kevin Hoch provided the Sheriff’s report. Hoch announced that the county had confiscated 245 grams of crystal meth following recent arrests. Jeremy Ball was not available to submit his report. Chris Weinzapfel read the Fire and EMS March report numbers into the record. The zoning report was in the packet. Bill Hefferan reported that the Planning Commission met on April 2 to discuss the proposed shoreline protection strip. Hefferan announced that the Planning Commission will review the proposed update to the fence ordinance in May and will hold a public hearing at their May 2 meeting for the permits with delinquent tax ordinance.
Hefferan provided his County Commissioner report. He indicated that $232,000 has been received as the county share of marijuana sales taxes. The commission voted on a motion to distribute those funds to the townships, but that motion failed to pass. Hefferan supports using the entire amount toward the costs of building a new county safety center.
In new business, a motion was passed to approve a budget amendment to cover three items that finished over budget. Resolution 2025-14 to name Andrea Krakow to the position of Freedom of Information Account (FOIA) Coordinator was presented. Krakow will be paid $24 per hour for the time spent on FOIA projects. The motion was passed to approve the resolution. Weinzapfel announced that special assessment and unpaid fees for sewer projects will be submitted to a lawyer for review.
Paddle Antrim Executive Director Deana Jerdee provided the annual report for Paddle Antrim. Jerdee announced that the Paddle Antrim had received its first Pure Michigan designated water trail award from the DNR for its Water Trail parks, which opened since 2021. Jerdee reported that there are now 84 access sites with 100 miles of water trail. Paddle Antrim maintains the signs on the trail. Jerdee reviewed the list of future projects planned to improve the water trail experience for the users. She noted that the Elk Rapids Rotary Park three-season bathroom will be completed by the end of summer with final landscaping to follow that installation. The Paddle Antrim Festival is scheduled this year for September 11 through September 13.
Elk Rapids District Library (ERDL) Executive Director Pam Williams provided her annual report to the township. The full annual report will be available on the library website in June. Williams provided library highlights from the past year and presented the latest update on the fundraising goals and layout for the new library. Williams announced that they have $2.375 million in pledges toward their goal of $3.5 million. The total budget for the library is currently $7 million. On completion of their fundraising campaign, the library will go on the ballot with a $3.5 million bond proposal. Williams hopes to break ground in early 2026. An Open House is scheduled at the new library location on May 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
In the last item of new business, Township Clerk Janet Beebe presented a request for board approval of new recording equipment to be used for township board meetings. Following board discussion, a motion was approved to set a budget for the project at $7,500 to include the recording equipment, supplier service, zoom capability and a wireless microphone system. The board asked Beebe to obtain competitive quotes before purchasing the equipment.
Elections are scheduled for May 6. The next board meeting has been scheduled for Monday, May 19, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
The Milton Township board met for their regular meeting on Monday, April 21, 2025. This was their first meeting at 9 a.m. on the third Monday of each month after approving that change at the annual meeting. All trustees and board members were in attendance. A motion was made and passed to approve the consent agenda. That agenda included minutes from the March 10 Board meeting, March 19 Budget hearing, Special Board Meetings on March 19 and April 10, the Treasurer report and authorization to pay a list of bills.
Antrim County Sheriff Kevin Hoch provided the Sheriff’s report. Hoch announced that the county had confiscated 245 grams of crystal meth following recent arrests. Jeremy Ball was not available to submit his report. Chris Weinzapfel read the Fire and EMS March report numbers into the record. The zoning report was in the packet. Bill Hefferan reported that the Planning Commission met on April 2 to discuss the proposed shoreline protection strip. Hefferan announced that the Planning Commission will review the proposed update to the fence ordinance in May and will hold a public hearing at their May 2 meeting for the permits with delinquent tax ordinance.
Hefferan provided his County Commissioner report. He indicated that $232,000 has been received as the county share of marijuana sales taxes. The commission voted on a motion to distribute those funds to the townships, but that motion failed to pass. Hefferan supports using the entire amount toward the costs of building a new county safety center.
In new business, a motion was passed to approve a budget amendment to cover three items that finished over budget. Resolution 2025-14 to name Andrea Krakow to the position of Freedom of Information Account (FOIA) Coordinator was presented. Krakow will be paid $24 per hour for the time spent on FOIA projects. The motion was passed to approve the resolution. Weinzapfel announced that special assessment and unpaid fees for sewer projects will be submitted to a lawyer for review.
Paddle Antrim Executive Director Deana Jerdee provided the annual report for Paddle Antrim. Jerdee announced that the Paddle Antrim had received its first Pure Michigan designated water trail award from the DNR for its Water Trail parks, which opened since 2021. Jerdee reported that there are now 84 access sites with 100 miles of water trail. Paddle Antrim maintains the signs on the trail. Jerdee reviewed the list of future projects planned to improve the water trail experience for the users. She noted that the Elk Rapids Rotary Park three-season bathroom will be completed by the end of summer with final landscaping to follow that installation. The Paddle Antrim Festival is scheduled this year for September 11 through September 13.
Elk Rapids District Library (ERDL) Executive Director Pam Williams provided her annual report to the township. The full annual report will be available on the library website in June. Williams provided library highlights from the past year and presented the latest update on the fundraising goals and layout for the new library. Williams announced that they have $2.375 million in pledges toward their goal of $3.5 million. The total budget for the library is currently $7 million. On completion of their fundraising campaign, the library will go on the ballot with a $3.5 million bond proposal. Williams hopes to break ground in early 2026. An Open House is scheduled at the new library location on May 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
In the last item of new business, Township Clerk Janet Beebe presented a request for board approval of new recording equipment to be used for township board meetings. Following board discussion, a motion was approved to set a budget for the project at $7,500 to include the recording equipment, supplier service, zoom capability and a wireless microphone system. The board asked Beebe to obtain competitive quotes before purchasing the equipment.
Elections are scheduled for May 6. The next board meeting has been scheduled for Monday, May 19, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
Elk Rapids Harbor Days announces 2025 Button Design Winner
Elk Rapids Harbor Days is pleased to announce that this year’s Button Design Winner is Doris Ziebart-Hagedorn. Doris is a retired veterinary technician, who has always enjoyed dabbling in art, first teaching the medium to kindergarteners and now hosting adult art classes in her home or at other venues. Doris also creates commissioned artwork.
“I feel honored that my design was picked to represent the 70th milestone for the Harbor Days Festival! said Doris. “My boys went through Elk Rapids schools, and it’s been a joy to be part of this close-knit community. Harbor Days is a magical experience. I remember the joy on my boys’ faces as they dared to ride the rides with friends, rode on the school float in the parades, watched movies on the beach and oohed and aahed at the brilliant fireworks over the harbor. Enjoying time in God’s creation brings me so much joy! It’s wonderful to live in this beautiful area!”
The Harbor Days Committee congratulates Doris and thanks all those who participated in the button design contest this year.
The cost is $5.00 per button and will be available for sale starting in June at Evenings on River Street, the Harbor Days Car Show on June 7, the Elk Rapids Area Chamber and at many other Elk Rapids businesses.
“I feel honored that my design was picked to represent the 70th milestone for the Harbor Days Festival! said Doris. “My boys went through Elk Rapids schools, and it’s been a joy to be part of this close-knit community. Harbor Days is a magical experience. I remember the joy on my boys’ faces as they dared to ride the rides with friends, rode on the school float in the parades, watched movies on the beach and oohed and aahed at the brilliant fireworks over the harbor. Enjoying time in God’s creation brings me so much joy! It’s wonderful to live in this beautiful area!”
The Harbor Days Committee congratulates Doris and thanks all those who participated in the button design contest this year.
The cost is $5.00 per button and will be available for sale starting in June at Evenings on River Street, the Harbor Days Car Show on June 7, the Elk Rapids Area Chamber and at many other Elk Rapids businesses.
Chain of Lakes Water Trail named First Pure Michigan Water Trail
Paddle Antrim is thrilled to announce that the Chain of Lakes Water Trail has officially been designated the first Pure Michigan Water Trail in the state of Michigan. The announcement was made on April 16 at the 2025 Governor’s Conference on Tourism.
The Pure Michigan Trail and Trail Town designation program, overseen by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, celebrates exemplary outdoor experiences that positively impact communities and promote Michigan’s natural beauty. The Chain of Lakes Water Trail, located in northern Michigan’s Antrim County and hosted by Paddle Antrim, stood out as a model for accessibility, stewardship, and community engagement.
“The Pure Michigan Trail program recognizes Michigan pathways that provide a quality trail experience, whether these trail users are hiking, biking, riding or paddling,” said Tim Novak, State Trails Coordinator for the Michigan DNR. “The Chain of Lakes Water Trail has broad-based community support and provides safe, accessible recreational experiences for paddlers of all abilities. The trail provides substantial economic and social impacts while improving quality of life for residents and visitors to Antrim County. We are proud to designate the Chain of Lakes Water Trail as a Pure Michigan Trail.”
Stretching across 12 lakes and interconnected rivers with over 100 miles of paddling, the Chain of Lakes Water Trail connects over 80 public access sites, making it a paddling destination for people of all skill levels. Since Paddle Antrim opened the water trail with signs in the ground and paddler resources in 2021, the organization has worked closely with local governments, businesses, and volunteers to improve signage, access, safety, and educational resources.
Paddle Antrim offers the public many opportunities to get out and experience the water trail firsthand through its events and classes. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced paddler, there are various programs designed to teach paddling skills, promote safety, and foster a deeper connection to the local waterways. Paddle Antrim’s paddling classes and community paddles provide an accessible way for everyone to enjoy the beauty and benefits of the Chain of Lakes Water Trail.
“Paddle Antrim is honored that the Chain of Lakes Water Trail — which we proudly host and steward in Northern Michigan — has been recognized as the first Pure Michigan Water Trail,” said Deana Jerdee, Executive Director of Paddle Antrim. “This designation celebrates our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, accessible paddling experiences while protecting the health of our cherished waterways. We look forward to continuing our efforts to enhance access, stewardship, and safety across the entire Chain of Lakes Water Trail, and we invite you to come explore all it has to offer.”
The Pure Michigan Trail and Trail Town designation program, overseen by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, celebrates exemplary outdoor experiences that positively impact communities and promote Michigan’s natural beauty. The Chain of Lakes Water Trail, located in northern Michigan’s Antrim County and hosted by Paddle Antrim, stood out as a model for accessibility, stewardship, and community engagement.
“The Pure Michigan Trail program recognizes Michigan pathways that provide a quality trail experience, whether these trail users are hiking, biking, riding or paddling,” said Tim Novak, State Trails Coordinator for the Michigan DNR. “The Chain of Lakes Water Trail has broad-based community support and provides safe, accessible recreational experiences for paddlers of all abilities. The trail provides substantial economic and social impacts while improving quality of life for residents and visitors to Antrim County. We are proud to designate the Chain of Lakes Water Trail as a Pure Michigan Trail.”
Stretching across 12 lakes and interconnected rivers with over 100 miles of paddling, the Chain of Lakes Water Trail connects over 80 public access sites, making it a paddling destination for people of all skill levels. Since Paddle Antrim opened the water trail with signs in the ground and paddler resources in 2021, the organization has worked closely with local governments, businesses, and volunteers to improve signage, access, safety, and educational resources.
Paddle Antrim offers the public many opportunities to get out and experience the water trail firsthand through its events and classes. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced paddler, there are various programs designed to teach paddling skills, promote safety, and foster a deeper connection to the local waterways. Paddle Antrim’s paddling classes and community paddles provide an accessible way for everyone to enjoy the beauty and benefits of the Chain of Lakes Water Trail.
“Paddle Antrim is honored that the Chain of Lakes Water Trail — which we proudly host and steward in Northern Michigan — has been recognized as the first Pure Michigan Water Trail,” said Deana Jerdee, Executive Director of Paddle Antrim. “This designation celebrates our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, accessible paddling experiences while protecting the health of our cherished waterways. We look forward to continuing our efforts to enhance access, stewardship, and safety across the entire Chain of Lakes Water Trail, and we invite you to come explore all it has to offer.”
The Latest from the Library
Did You Know?
MeL, the Michigan eLibrary, has two parts: MeLCat – a statewide catalog for sharing materials among Michigan libraries, and eResources – for Pre-K through college students and adult learners of all types. It offers resources on early literacy, test prep, magazine and newspaper articles, encyclopedias, health, workforce skills, genealogy, and more. It’s an anywhere, anytime free library for Michigan residents. Visit Mel.org
Special Guest Storytime! Friday, 4/25, 10:30 a.m. – Join us for a fun Money Smart event with 4Front Credit Union! Enjoy reading about money, making a piggy bank craft, and receive a free book, Save It. Start your child’s financial literacy journey early!
Community Events Supporting A Library for Everybody
Want to learn more about the future library plans? Join us at this fun event hosted by amazing community partners and featuring an informational session to answer all your questions:
• Silent Reading Book Club at Ethanology – Sunday, 4/27, 2:00–3:30 p.m. Grab a book (any format will do), a bunch of friends and join us for this unique event. Enjoy quiet camaraderie, exemplary cocktails and learn how you can make an impact for our community.
Upcoming Programs
• Friends of Library Meeting: Monday, 4/28, 5:00–6:00 p.m.
• Story Times: Fridays, 4/25 & 5/2, 10:30–11:30 a.m.
• Drop-in Tech Help: Tuesday, 4/29, 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. & Thursday, 5/1, 1:00–2:30 p.m.
• ER Knitters: Thursday, 4/24 & 5/1, 2:00–4:00 p.m.
All programs take place at the Island House Library unless otherwise noted. Questions? Call us at 231-264-9979 or visit elkrapidslibrary.org.
MeL, the Michigan eLibrary, has two parts: MeLCat – a statewide catalog for sharing materials among Michigan libraries, and eResources – for Pre-K through college students and adult learners of all types. It offers resources on early literacy, test prep, magazine and newspaper articles, encyclopedias, health, workforce skills, genealogy, and more. It’s an anywhere, anytime free library for Michigan residents. Visit Mel.org
Special Guest Storytime! Friday, 4/25, 10:30 a.m. – Join us for a fun Money Smart event with 4Front Credit Union! Enjoy reading about money, making a piggy bank craft, and receive a free book, Save It. Start your child’s financial literacy journey early!
Community Events Supporting A Library for Everybody
Want to learn more about the future library plans? Join us at this fun event hosted by amazing community partners and featuring an informational session to answer all your questions:
• Silent Reading Book Club at Ethanology – Sunday, 4/27, 2:00–3:30 p.m. Grab a book (any format will do), a bunch of friends and join us for this unique event. Enjoy quiet camaraderie, exemplary cocktails and learn how you can make an impact for our community.
Upcoming Programs
• Friends of Library Meeting: Monday, 4/28, 5:00–6:00 p.m.
• Story Times: Fridays, 4/25 & 5/2, 10:30–11:30 a.m.
• Drop-in Tech Help: Tuesday, 4/29, 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. & Thursday, 5/1, 1:00–2:30 p.m.
• ER Knitters: Thursday, 4/24 & 5/1, 2:00–4:00 p.m.
All programs take place at the Island House Library unless otherwise noted. Questions? Call us at 231-264-9979 or visit elkrapidslibrary.org.
ER Lions offer scholarship opportunity
Local high school seniors are encouraged to apply for annual scholarship awards offered by the Elk Rapids Lions Club.
Criteria for selection include:
• Financial need
• Active participation in community volunteer projects – following the Lions motto of: “We Serve”
• Recommendation by a faculty member/s that the student possesses the desire and intent to succeed in pursuit of their educational and humanitarian goals.
Educational goals may be met in any technical and/or academic setting of the student’s choice. To qualify, please submit a completed application by Friday, May 2, 2025, to: Elk Rapids Lions Club Scholarship Program, PO Box 583, Elk Rapids, Michigan 49629-0583. Applications may be downloaded from: https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/elkrapids/ or by contacting Lions President Shirley Hill at 734-497-7921, email: [email protected], or Dave Lein at 231-620-5707, email: [email protected].
Criteria for selection include:
• Financial need
• Active participation in community volunteer projects – following the Lions motto of: “We Serve”
• Recommendation by a faculty member/s that the student possesses the desire and intent to succeed in pursuit of their educational and humanitarian goals.
Educational goals may be met in any technical and/or academic setting of the student’s choice. To qualify, please submit a completed application by Friday, May 2, 2025, to: Elk Rapids Lions Club Scholarship Program, PO Box 583, Elk Rapids, Michigan 49629-0583. Applications may be downloaded from: https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/elkrapids/ or by contacting Lions President Shirley Hill at 734-497-7921, email: [email protected], or Dave Lein at 231-620-5707, email: [email protected].