Village News &
Announcements
Last Minute Open Water Safety Lessons Openings!
We still have a few last-minute spots open for our Open Water Safety Lessons! Email Laura Shumate at lshumate@elkrapids.org to sign up!
Village of Elk Rapids Recognized for Environmental Leadership
Village of Elk Rapids Recognized for Environmental Leadership
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Elk Rapids, Michigan – June 16, 2025 — The Village of Elk Rapids was recognized for its environmental leadership by the statewide Michigan Green Communities (MGC) program. As part of the annual Michigan Green Communities (MGC) Challenge, local governments are awarded bronze, silver, gold, or platinum seals of achievement. These achievements demonstrate community leadership in various areas, including energy efficiency, climate resilience, recycling, mobility, environmental stewardship, and more.
The Village of Elk Rapids achieved gold status for exemplary action in multiple categories, including planning, economic development, land use, materials management (also known as recycling, composting, and waste diversion), water conservation and protection, clean mobility, and community engagement.
“This achievement reflects the dedication our entire community has shown toward environmental responsibility and innovation,” said Tracy Fosdick, Village Council Pro-Tem and Green ER liaison. “We are proud to lead by example and remain committed to preserving the natural beauty and resources that make Elk Rapids such a special place to call home.”
The MGC Challenge had a record number of participants this year, with 68 communities being recognized for their efforts. The Village of Elk Rapids and the other participants logged actions taken through 2024 to improve sustainability efforts. Six communities achieved bronze certification, eighteen achieved silver certification, forty-two achieved gold certification, and two achieved platinum certification.
The MGC program is open to all local governments in Michigan at no cost. MGC is a sustainability networking, benchmarking, and technical assistance program. It guides and supports communities in adapting to a changing climate, protecting infrastructure, improving the quality of life for residents, and creating a more environmentally sustainable and economically competitive future for the state of Michigan.
Michigan Green Communities is supported by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services; the Michigan Economic Development Corporation; the Michigan Department of Transportation; the Michigan Department of Natural Resources; the Michigan Association of Counties; the Michigan Municipal League; and the Michigan Townships Association. For more information about this program, please visit their website at www.migreencommunities.com.
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About Michigan Green Communities
Michigan Green Communities (MGC) is a collaborative statewide program that supports local governments in advancing sustainability, climate resilience, and environmental stewardship. Through benchmarking, technical assistance, and peer learning, MGC helps communities identify and implement actions that improve quality of life, protect natural resources, and strengthen economic competitiveness. The program is supported by multiple state agencies and organizations, including the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan Department of Transportation, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Association of Counties, Michigan Municipal League, and Michigan Townships Association. Participation in MGC is open to all Michigan local governments at no cost. Learn more at www.migreencommunities.com.
About the Village of Elk Rapids
The Village of Elk Rapids is a vibrant waterfront community located in Antrim County, Michigan. Known for its natural beauty, strong sense of community, and commitment to responsible growth, Elk Rapids offers residents and visitors access to pristine beaches, scenic parks, and a thriving local business district. The Village is dedicated to preserving its unique environment through forward-thinking planning, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. With a focus on sustainability and quality of life, Elk Rapids continues to invest in initiatives that protect its resources for current and future generations.
For all inquiries, please contact:
Questions regarding the Michigan Green Communities program can be directed to Danielle Beard, Michigan Green Communities Program Coordinator, at info@migreencommunities.com.
Questions regarding The Village of Elk’s sustainability and environmental efforts can be directed to Village Clerk, Leah Moskovitz, at lmoskovitz@elkrapids.org.
Mitchell Drive Construction Update 05.29.2025
Spring Cleanup Curbside Pickup Reminder - June 7
The contractors have been instructed to ensure that roads and property frontages are accessible for the Spring Cleanup curbside pickup on Saturday, June 7. Additional reminders will be sent, and the GCES inspector will continue to monitor the area for any issues. The contractor on Mitchell will be relocating spoil piles ahead of June 7 to ensure that properties on the south end of Mitchell Dr and Mitchell Ct have full access to their property frontage.
Green ER with NMC Great Lakes Water Studies
May 27, Tuesday, 1-4:00 p.m. Green ER is proud to host the NMC Great Lakes Water Studies Institute and their research vessel, the RV Northwestern, a 56-foot 20-passenger coastal survey vessel, which will visit the Edward C. Grace Memorial Harbor on Tuesday, 1-4 p.m. The Institute and its associated programs give students access to state-of-the-art equipment throughout their coursework. The staff and vessel will be available to both schools and community members to come down and see the RV Northwestern, learn about some of their research technology, and hear about program opportunities.
A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) deployed from the vessel will be demonstrated live, showcasing its capabilities in real time.
Additionally, an Unscrewed Surface Vessel (USV) equipped with advanced underwater mapping technology will operate in the harbor, highlighting its use in hydrographic surveying and marine research. The program director will be joined by four Bachelor of Science in Marine Technology students to discuss the program’s hands-on learning opportunities, cutting-edge equipment, and the wide range of career pathways available to graduates. greenelkrapids.org
Community Alert: Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall Discussion
The Elk Rapids Township Board is holding a Special Meeting to discuss the future of the Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall, including a potential sale. Please note that this is a Township initiative, not a decision by the Village of Elk Rapids Council.
🗓️ Date: Monday, May 19, 2025
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM
📍 Location: 315 Bridge Street
This is your chance to be informed and speak up.
✅ Public comment is welcome (up to 3 minutes per person).
📧 If you cannot attend, you can send your thoughts to Township Treasurer Debbie Husband at dhusband@elkrapids.gov.
Let’s stay engaged and protect the places that matter to our community. TO VIEW THE AGENDA: CLICK HERE
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING - VILLAGE MANAGER INTERVIEWS
Agenda with Zoom Link: CLICK HERE
315 Bridge Street, Elk Rapids, MI 49629
Finalists Selected for the Village of Elk Rapids Village Manager Search
📣 The Village of Elk Rapids is excited to announce the finalists for our next Village Manager! After a competitive search with over 60 applicants, four outstanding candidates have been selected for final interviews on Friday, May 16 at the Governmental Center.
Candidates include:
• Aleksander Mizikar
• David Tait
• Christopher Brown
• Janet Koch
Thank you to everyone who participated in the process — we’re looking forward to the next step in finding a strong leader for our community. 🏡
For more information: CLICK HERE
2025 Open Water Safety Lessons Registration
🌊 2025 Elk Rapids Open Water Safety Lessons 🌞
We’re excited to announce that registration for this year’s Open Water Safety Lessons at the River is just around the corner!
🗓️ Registration opens Monday, May 5, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
🛑 Registration closes Wednesday, May 23, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. — or until spots are full.
You can register online at https://forms.gle/MfEkpULB6gVk52tt9 or stop by the Elk Rapids Government Center to complete a paper form. There is a $50 fee per session, and students may only sign up for one session per summer. Space is limited and priority will be given to Village Residents, so don’t wait!
👦👧 Lessons take place at the River and are held Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays over a two-week period. Each session includes six total classes and a built-in makeup day. Lessons run rain or shine, unless there is thunder or lightning.
🗂️ Session dates:
Session 1: June 24 – July 3
Session 2: July 15 – July 24
Session 3: August 5 – August 14
All students must be accompanied by a designated adult and should come in a bathing suit with a towel.
Questions or need accommodations? Email Laura Shumate at lshumate@elkrapids.org.
Let’s make a splash this summer — safely! 🏊♀️🏖️
Super Recycling Day Accepted Items List
♻️ Elk Rapids Super Recycling Day is almost here! ♻️
Join us Saturday, May 10 from 9 AM to 3 PM next to the Police Station on Bridge Street for an opportunity to responsibly recycle all kinds of household items — from electronics and appliances to mattresses, bikes, and more!
💡 Be sure to check the flyer for accepted items (fees apply to some), and don’t forget:
🚫 No oil paint, household cleaners, or hazardous waste at this event — but you can bring those to the Antrim County Hazardous Waste Drop-Off on June 14 at the DPW Garage!
Let’s keep Elk Rapids clean and green 🌿 Questions? Call us at 231-264-9274 or visit elkrapids.org
The Village of Elk Rapids office will be closed, Tuesday, April 22nd for a Team Building Seminar.
We apologize for any inconvenience and will be open for regular business on Wednesday, April 23rd at 9:00 am
