Village News &
Announcements
Village Water and Sewer Project Update
Construction work on village water and sewer lines will continue through October. Work will happen in stages, including road work, underground pipe installation, and final paving and restoration.
What’s Happening Next:
Golf Course Drive: Watermain and service connections are finished. Paving will be scheduled soon.
Park Street (between Buckley and Third) and Third Street: Work is complete. Crosswalk pavement markings near the schools will be added soon.
Charles Street: The west side has been milled down. Bypass pumping equipment is in place, and sanitary sewer installation will continue here for at least the next two weeks.
Traffic and Access
Please watch for construction workers and signs in all active areas.
Golf Course Drive will be intermittently blocked during the day.
Charles Street will be closed to through traffic while construction is underway.
Important Notes
This schedule may change based on weather and site conditions. Thank you for your patience as we complete these important infrastructure improvements.
Mitchell Drive Water and Sewer Project Update
Construction work is underway on Mitchell Drive and will continue through the fall. The work will be conducted in stages, beginning with the installation of underground equipment and pipes, followed by the connection of homes, and concluding with cleanup and restoration. The construction contract allows work to continue through November 15, 2025. While significant activity is expected in September and October, residents will be made aware that crews may still be on site into November.
What’s Happening Next
During the weeks of September 22 and 29, crews will begin installing water and sewer service lines. Work will start near 129 Mitchell and move north toward Ames.
Stakes with addresses will be placed along the road to mark where new service boxes will be installed near the road right-of-way.
Traffic and Access
Parts of Mitchell Drive may be closed during the day while crews are working. Please watch for workers and follow posted signs.
Road closures will only affect sections at a time.
You will always have access to your driveway by the end of each workday.
Important Notes
This schedule is approximate and may change depending on weather and site conditions. Thank you for your patience and caution during this project.
Help Shape Northwest Michigan’s Materials Management Plan
Northwest Michigan is developing a regional Materials Management Plan, and your input is vital. These surveys will help us better understand how residents and businesses handle trash, recycling, and composting so we can improve efficiency, reduce waste, and make smarter use of resources.
Resident Survey: https://bit.ly/MMPSurvey
Business Survey: https://bit.ly/MMPbizsurvey
More Information: nwm.org/mmp
Your voice helps shape a cleaner, more sustainable future for our community.
Shoreline Feasibility Study Report Now Available
The Village of Elk Rapids, in partnership with Spicer Group and StreamsideEco, is pleased to share the results of our Shoreline and Vegetative Assessment along the Elk River.
This study evaluated shoreline conditions, identified areas of erosion, and documented plant communities with a focus on managing invasive species and supporting native vegetation. The report also includes conceptual design recommendations for future shoreline protection and enhancement projects.
Residents and community members are encouraged to review the full report and supporting materials, which are available with this announcement.
Thank you to all who participated in the open house and provided input. Your engagement is vital as we continue working to protect and enhance our riverfront.
Reports:
Annual Audit Report Available
The Village of Elk Rapids has completed its annual financial audit for the fiscal year ending February 28, 2025. The report provides a full overview of the Village’s financial position, revenues, expenditures, and fund balances.
The full report is now available to the public and can be viewed here:
Village of Elk Rapids Audit Report https://shorturl.at/HU8A1
We remain committed to transparency and responsible stewardship of Village resources.
🚧 Traffic Update 🚧
Please be advised that Buckley Street will be closed between Brand St. and Henry St. for the duration of construction on Charles Street.
🔄 A detour route is available via Ames St., Henry St., E. 3rd St., and Brand St. (see map).
We appreciate your patience as crews continue with this important infrastructure project. Please drive carefully and watch for construction workers in the area.
Mitchell Dr. Water & Sewer Construction Update 09/05/2025
Construction is underway on Mitchell Dr. and will continue through September (weather permitting).
🔧 Over the weeks of September 8 and September 15, crews will install water and sewer services, starting at 129 Mitchell Dr. and working north toward Ames St.
📍 New forcemain service box locations will be staked in the field, marked with customer addresses.
⚠️ Traffic Notice:
Mitchell Dr. may be closed during working hours.
Closures will be limited to sections of the roadway, with access restored by the end of each day.
Residents will still have access to their driveways after work hours.
Please use caution in the area and watch for construction workers. Thank you for your patience as we make these important improvements.
Water & Sewer Construction Update 09/05/2025
Our ongoing water and sewer improvement project continues through October 2025. Here are the latest updates:
✅ Iroquois St. (Lake St. to Ames St.) – Work complete, restoration touch-ups ongoing.
✅ Golf Course Dr. – Watermain and service connections complete, paving and restoration coming soon.
✅ Park St. (Buckley St. to Third St.) & Third St. – Work complete, restoration touch-ups ongoing.
🔨 Charles St. – Road pulverized, bypass pumping equipment set up starting September 8. Sanitary sewer installation begins September 8 and will continue for at least two weeks.
⚠️ Traffic Notes:
Golf Course Dr. will see intermittent closures.
Charles St. will be closed to through traffic during construction.
Please stay alert for workers in the project areas and thank you for your patience as we make these critical improvements to our community’s infrastructure.
Paddle Antrim Festival, September 11–13
Ready to paddle Northern Michigan’s Chain of Lakes Water Trail? Join the Paddle Antrim Festival, September 11–13 a celebration of paddling and community.
This choose-your-own-adventure paddle is perfect for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, and open to kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.
Routes range from 7 to 42 miles
Go at your own pace
Celebrate each day with live music , local food , and great company
Held on Michigan’s only Pure Michigan-designated water trail
Paddling by day, community fun by night — don’t miss this one-of-a-kind experience in Ellsworth, Bellaire, and Elk Rapids.
Registration closes September 7 secure your spot today: https://www.paddleantrim.com/festival
September Brush Pickup Update
Due to the Labor Day holiday, brush pickup will begin on Monday, September 8.
As a reminder, brush may be placed at the street starting Friday, September 5.
✅ Neatly stacked, butt ends facing the road
🚫 No yard waste, vines, trash, or construction debris
📩 Questions? Contact Alex Pray at apray@elkrapids.org
Thank you for your cooperation!
— Village of Elk Rapids DPW 🌳
Water & Sewer Improvements Update 08/26/2025
🚧 Water & Sewer Improvements – Project Update 🚧
Construction continues on several streets in the Village as part of our ongoing water and sewer improvement project. Work is expected to continue at various locations through October 2025.
🔹 Iroquois St. (Lake St. to Ames St.) – Water improvements are complete and paving is finished. Final restoration is in progress.
🔹 Golf Course Dr. – Loop watermain has been placed. Crews are completing testing and final connections this week, followed by service connections.
🔹 Park St. (Buckley St. to Third St. and Third St.) – Water improvements are complete and paving is finished. Final restoration is in progress.
🔹 Charles St. – Preliminary sanitary sewer improvements begin the week of August 18.
🚦 Traffic Control:
Please be alert for construction workers in the project area.
Golf Course Dr. will be intermittently obstructed during construction.
Charles St. will be closed to through traffic.
We appreciate your patience and cooperation as these important improvements move forward. Thank you!
Mitchell Drive Water and Sewer Improvements 08/26/2025 Update
🚧 Mitchell Drive Water & Sewer Improvements Update 🚧
Construction is underway on Mitchell Drive for water and sewer upgrades. Work will continue through August and September, weather permitting.
🔹 Week of August 25 – September 2: Crews will be testing the water and sewer mains, followed by installation of water and sewer services beginning at 120 Ames and moving south. New forcemain service box locations will also be marked in the field.
🚦 Traffic Notice:
Mitchell Drive may be closed during working hours in sections of the roadway. Residents will need to use alternate access points during the day. Driveway access will be restored each evening.
We appreciate your patience and cooperation as these important infrastructure improvements move forward. Please stay alert for construction workers in the area and use caution when traveling through the project zone.
Thank you for your understanding!
2025 Public Participation Plan
On August 6, 2025, the Village Council approved the Public Participation Plan (PPP), a framework designed to strengthen transparency, communication, and trust between the Village and the community. The PPP outlines how residents, business owners, and stakeholders can be meaningfully involved in planning, zoning, redevelopment, and other land use decisions. It establishes clear goals for inclusive engagement, ensures compliance with state laws such as the Michigan Open Meetings Act, and aligns with Redevelopment Ready Communities best practices. By providing multiple opportunities for input, using both traditional and digital tools, and committing to share results openly, the PPP will serve as a guide to ensure the voices of Elk Rapids residents remain central in shaping the community’s future
Elk Rapids Island House Committee Recommendations
The Island House Committee has shared its recommendations for the future of the historic Island House. Following months of community input, the committee proposes repurposing the building as a flexible community space that can host gatherings, cultural events, creative programs, and quiet study areas while preserving its historic character. The committee also recommends maintaining regular public hours, supporting use by local organizations, and ensuring the property remains a welcoming space for youth, families, and residents. The Village Council will review these recommendations as planning for the Island House moves forward.
MORE INFORMATION: CLICK HERE
📢 Applications Now Open – 2025 Citizens Academy
Applications are now open for the 2025 Elk Rapids Citizens Academy! This free, six-week program gives residents and those who work in our community a behind-the-scenes look at how Village government works. Meet department leaders, tour facilities, and learn how decisions are made on everything from budgeting to public safety.
Program Details:
Dates: Wednesdays, October 1 – November 5, 2025
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Applications Close: Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Link to Application: HERE
📍 Space is limited, so don’t wait—apply today! Applications are available on the Village website and at the Government Center, 315 Bridge Street. Submit to Lori Dawson, Deputy Clerk at ldawson@elkrapids.org.
Water & Sewer Improvements Update – August 18, 2025
Work is progressing across several locations in the Village:
🔹 Iroquois St. (Lake St. to Ames St.) – Water improvements are complete, paving is done, and final restoration is underway.
🔹 Golf Course Dr. – Watermain loop is in place. Testing and final connections are happening this week, followed by service connections. Expect intermittent traffic impacts.
🔹 Park St. (Buckley St. to Third St.) and Third St. – Water improvements are complete, paving is finished, and final restoration is underway.
🔹 Charles St. – Preliminary sanitary sewer improvements are beginning this week. Road will be closed to through traffic during construction.
We ask all residents to stay alert for workers in these areas and use caution when traveling near active construction sites. Thank you for your patience as we continue this important infrastructure work.
Schedule and timing are weather dependent and subject to change as needed
Mitchell Drive Water & Sewer Improvements Update 08.19.2025
Construction is underway on Mitchell Drive for water and sewer main improvements. This week, crews will be testing the water and sewer mains and then moving forward with installing new services. Work will begin near 120 Ames and continue south.
🔹 Service box locations are being staked in the field, marked with addresses for each property.
🔹 During working hours, sections of Mitchell Drive may be closed. Please use alternate access points when needed.
🔹 Residents will continue to have access to their driveways at the end of each day.
We ask that everyone be alert for workers in the project area and use caution when traveling through. Thank you for your patience as this important infrastructure work moves forward!
All work is weather permitting. Schedule and timing are subject to change as needed.
Share Your Voice on Waste, Recycling, and Composting
Do you throw away trash, recycle plastics, or compost food waste? Your input matters.
Northwest Michigan is working to improve how our region manages materials such as trash, recycling, and organics. By sharing your feedback, you can help shape smarter resource use, reduce waste, and improve efficiency in our communities.
Take the Survey
Learn More
Your voice is vital in building a more sustainable Northwest Michigan. Thank you for taking a few minutes to participate.
Congratulations to John Mach – Recognized as a 2025 Leader of Northern Michigan
Big congratulations to our DDA Executive Director, John Mach, for being recognized in the Record Eagle’s 2025 Leaders of Northern Michigan!
John’s passion for Elk Rapids shines through in everything he does, from bringing people together around projects like our new wayfinding signage to creating opportunities for businesses and residents to collaborate through events like Stronger Together.
This honor celebrates not only John’s leadership, but also the energy and spirit of our entire community. Elk Rapids is truly stronger together, and we’re grateful for the dedication that helps keep our downtown thriving.
Check out John’s full feature here: https://record-eagle-cnhi.newsmemory.com/?special=leaders
Wrapping Up a Great Season of Open Water Safety Lessons!
This summer, dozens of kids jumped in, learned new skills, and built confidence in the water through our Open Water Safety Lessons. It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces enjoying the river while learning how to stay safe.
A special thank you goes to Laura Shumate for coordinating sign ups and registration, and to Allie Shumate for leading the lessons with patience, energy, and care. Your efforts made this program possible and created such a positive experience for families.
📸 Here are a couple of snapshots from classes this summer!
Thank you to all the families who participated and supported this program. We’re already looking forward to making next year’s lessons even better. 💙
