Elk Rapids News

10/24/2024

In September, during Homecoming weekend, a mere hour before Chloe Taylor and Luke Wolgamott were scheduled to be in the Homecoming Parade, they found out that the convertible they were to ride in was not available. A mad scramble ensued to find someone who owned a convertible and who would be willing to drive them in the parade. Fortunately, the last-minute snafu was narrowly averted with the help of local resident Gary Yankee and his black Mustang convertible coming to the rescue. “I was glad to help. I had a great time driving Chloe and Luke,” said Gary. “It reminded me of my own high school homecoming, particularly since I played football. So I know how important homecoming is to these kids.” Caughtcha being GOOD and thank you, Gary, for helping to support our schools. We appreciate you!

10/03/2024

Recently, Bubba, a black lab, got away from his owners and was seen running around Elk Rapids. Finally, he wondered into the parking lot of the Village Market, where luckily, Sydney, an employee, was taking her break and saw the lab near some bushes. She was able to get a hold of him and read his collar tag to phone his owners. After giving the thirsty pup some water, Sydney sat with him until he was reunited with his owners. Well done and thank you, Sydney. Bet Bubba was happy to run into you

09/26/2024

Holly Alberts, a lifelong Kewadin resident and member of the Kewadin Indian Mission, and her family would like to commend Jeremy Poertner for going out of his way to help her community. The community owns and has access to waterfront property right across from Sunny›s Waters Edge Market in Kewadin. Although none of the immediate community members have boats, their young people enjoy the thrill of a floating raft for jumping and diving into Elk Lake. During the stormy weather the week before school started, their raft went MIA. According to Alberts, “A few of our community members went driving and on foot as far as they could to try and look for the raft but had no success.” Later someone responded to a Facebook post, saying that they saw the raft and would secure it until it could be retrieved. Unfortunately, there was no easy way for community members to do that. But according to Alberts, tribal member Jeremy Poertner came to the rescue, traveling out to Kewadin from his Traverse City residence to retrieve the beloved raft! When he got to the beach, he put his boat in the water then loaded up three local youth and went on the hunt. “It took about a half hour to locate and strap the raft to his boat. Fortunately, with the boater’s teamwork and his willingness, we were able to clap and celebrate as he pulled the raft back to our shoreline!” said Alberts.
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She further praised Jeremy, saying “He is a very honorable and hardworking young man! He has also donated his time mowing the K.I.M. church property and our beach front property several times throughout the last few summers. Our community/ family truly appreciates all the effort he puts forth and believes that he is very deserving of this local award! Caughtcha being a great neighbor and friend, Jeremy. Thank you!

09/20/2024

Bruce Burry’s 145-pound German shepherd, Bosco, is a lucky dog, thanks to their Williamsburg neighbor Larry Lelito and his grandson, Eli Lelito. Burry, Bosco, and Burry’s two other dogs were hiking along an old railroad track near Barker Creek when Bosco stepped into what Burry at first thought was simply a fissure of some sort, perhaps an overgrown creek. But Bosco quickly became submerged up to his armpits and was unable to scramble out of the mucky, murky substance.

“He was very calm, but he couldn’t get out,” said Burry, who is visually impaired and was unable to pull the heavy pooch out by himself. So, he called neighbor Larry who, along with Eli, was able to extricate Bosco with the aid of a tow strap. Bosco seemed none the worse for his time in what Burry describes as something that acted very much like quicksand.

Michigan DNR wetland habitat biologist Randy Knapik says quicksand-like conditions can occur in bogs where organic soil and peat become extremely saturated with water, making them soft and unstable. While he said that someone who encounters this condition may become stuck, they won’t get sucked under. “Is it generally life-threatening like in the movies? No,” he said. “Could you have a leg suctioned in mud and be stuck? Yes.”
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Caughtcha being good Larry Lelito and Eli Lelito and thank you for coming to the aid of your neighbors Bosco and Bruce.

09/12/2024

The new Pickleball Courts at Veterans Memorial Park are already being taken care of by local citizens. Recently, Gemma and Leo Rubert were found picking up trash between the fences at the new courts “just to make them look nice.” Gemma, 13, is a student at Cherryland Middle School, and her brother Leo, 8, is a student at Lakeland Elementary School. Caughtcha being GOOD and thank you, Gemma and Leo, for selflessly taking action for the betterment of your town and the environment

09/04/2024

The Friends of the Elk Rapids Library were setting up for their big jewelry fundraiser, Glitter, Glamor, Glitz, at the HERTH on July 26 when they noticed that three lightbulbs were out right above the auction table where the best items were to be shown. Not sure of who could help, calls were made to several different places around town, but it was late afternoon at the end of a work week, so things didn’t look hopeful. That is until Rob Ford came to the rescue! He came with his trusty 18-foot ladder ready to light the place up. With the help of a few Friends, tables were moved so Rob could quickly fix the problem and the event could get under way. The Friends of the Library truly appreciate our friend, Rob Ford.

08/21/2024

A few weeks ago, Leiha and Hope Van Aken were driving on Elk Lake Road when they saw a large bird struggling to move on the side of the road. Looking closer they saw it was an eagle, injured and not able to fly. Leiha was determined to help it, even going as far to use her car as a barrier to prevent the eagle from hopping onto the road. After several attempts to contact area conservation agencies she finally got through to one in Benzie County. “It was so important that we didn’t leave it there, said Leiha. After an almost three-hour wait, a conservation officer and a representative from the Skegemog Raptor Center arrived to take it to the raptor center for treatment. “It was alive, struggling and we simply knew we had to do everything possible to give it a chance to survive,” said a very relieved Leiha.

08/15/2024

When six-year-old twin brothers Cole and Elliot Dornbos from Grand Rapids were on a bike ride with their Grandma on River Street, they noticed clay handprints splattered all over the library bridge. Knowing that this is not nice, they decided to get buckets and rags and clean up the mess made by some other naughty kids. Way to go, boys! Keepin’ ER clean and tidy!

08/07/2024

On July 29, Tom and Karen Keefe’s boat was stalled in Lake Skegemog after running across a hidden log. The couple had been boating with their daughter’s family and their grandsons. It was late afternoon, and with storm clouds forming to the west the boaters were in a quandary of how to make it back to Torch River Marine.
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Then suddenly, along came some folks on a Four Winns boat Afternoon Delight. “Without hesitation our rescuers tied a line to our boat and towed us to the marina,” said Tom. “A big thank you to our rescuers for turning a sorry moment into one of happy relief!”

07/31/2024

Caught neighbor John VanWyck being GOOD as he was cutting Dr. Street’s lawn after she cracked a few thoracic vertebrae sailing her Hobie Cat on beautiful Elk Lake. Thank you, John, for being a thoughtful neighbor!

07/25/2024

When unforeseen circumstances caused the Elk Rapids Area Historical Society (ERAHS) to cancel their August garage sale, they were faced with the dilemma of what to do with items that had already been donated. That’s when Shirley Lewis, of the Yuba Historic Society, got an unexpected phone call from ERAHS’s treasurer/secretary Flo Wettlaufer, offering to donate all their items to the Yuba Historic Society’s annual community yard sale in August. “ERAHS gave us two loads of good quality items. Our yard sale is Yuba Historic Society’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Words cannot express how much this will help us. We greatly appreciate it!” said Lewis.

07/18/2024

A few weeks ago, during a heat spell, Sarah Davis visited Gill-Roy’s to look for a new air conditioner unit. After deciding to purchase one, she realized it would not fit in her vehicle. She asked the young man at the checkout if he could mark the item as “sold” and then she would try to find someone with a truck to help get it to her house. That thoughtful young man, Brooks Hoberg, said he could deliver it after Sarah called back to inquire if Gil-Roy’s offered delivery. “He delivered the unit after his work shift and saved the day. Thanks, Brooks, for being so thoughtful and helpful! Gill-Roy’s Got It, and boy, are they lucky they got you!” said a very grateful Sarah

07/11/2024

Lynda Nichols and her sister had just attended Sunday services at First Presbyterian Church in Elk Rapids when much to their dismay they found that their car wouldn’t start, even after repeated efforts. Luckily, Jim Nothoff was one of the few people left in the church parking lot and offered to help them despite already being late for an appointment. He didn’t have much luck either but offered to drive them home. “We were so grateful,” Lynda said. “He missed his other obligations helping us, but he saw us home safely.” Caughtcha being GOOD and thank you, Jim

07/04/2024

Luckily, some Good Samaritans were on hand last week to help when a kayaker and his young son capsized in the bay near downtown Elk Rapids. What could have been a tragedy had a happy ending when residents heard calls for help and quickly sprang into action, calling 911. According to Dave Kuffner, who happened to be close by, other kayakers, who were on the bay in the right place, at the right time, were able to secure the capsized kayak while others helped the man and his young son to safety. An ambulance, fire truck and the police were also on the scene to give aid. “It was extremely fortunate that the kayakers were there to help,” said Kuffner, “because the situation really called for a boat.” A huge thanks to the quick thinking of all the Good Samaritans and the first responders who helped turn this life-threatening situation into a positive outcome!

06/28/2024

A baby “hatchling” painted turtle was discovered by golf ranger “Captain” Tom Chandler at the ever-popular A-Ga-Ming golf resort. Tom saw the little one on the putting green of the 15th hole on the Sundance course. Tom proceeded to find a nice safe spot in the adjacent woods with good water access for optimum survival. Painted turtles can live about 20-40 years; here’s hoping this one survives. Nice job, Tom!

06/21/2024

Grant Blesma lives in the Inwood Harbor subdivision and graciously gives of his time to cutting the lawn for a neighbor down the block who recently had heart surgery. Grant also cuts the strip of grass next to the street that so many neighbors forget or neglect to do. After having recent spinal surgery, another neighbor, Richard Walle, called a number of landscapers to get his grass mowed, but received no call backs. So, he stopped Grant, who was on his weekly ride down the block, and asked if he could help him out. Without hesitation, Grant said he’d be happy to. “I can’t get over his generosity and wish to reward him in some way other than giving him some gas money, said Richard. “Grant is truly a good neighbor and I think he deserves praise!”

06/13/2024

After a recently relocating to the area, Julie Bolhuis is already hard at work, joining the Elk Rapids Garden Club as well helping in her own neighborhood. “Our cul de sac has an island of flowers that a few residents try to keep up. Julie has been working away weeding the island and it is looking nice again,” commented Jane Hamilton, a neighbor. Caughtcha being GOOD and welcome to the area, Julie!

05/30/2024

A couple of weekends ago, Beth Cron and her parents were trying to figure out how to move a very large armoire into their house. They were in the process of moving all their household possessions to Elk Rapids from Ann Arbor. As they were struggling with the armoire, Koa West and Nils Stoldt happened to drive by and stopped to ask if they needed any help.
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As it was getting dark and the rain was coming, they said yes, explained Beth. “We are so appreciative of all of the helping hands we’ve had. I’m so impressed with the young people in Elk Rapids.” Caughtcha being GOOD, Koa and Nils. Thank you!

05/30/2024

05/23/2024

People who live in small towns know and look out for each other, and same can be said about postal carriers who are out and about in the same neighborhood every day, watching out for their customers. Sylvia Bettley can attest that her own postal carrier, Barb Lange, has become a very important part of her daily life. Sylvia, who is handicapped, says that Barb checks on her during her daily rounds to make sure that she is ok. She often brings her trash bin back to the house, delivers mail to her in person, and even recently after Sylvia had a bad fall, Barb helped set up her watch that would monitor her movements. “I don’t think postal carriers get enough credit. Barb is an excellent mail carrier; she is caring and makes time for me. She is a wonderful person,” said Sylvia. Caughtcha being GOOD, Barb. Thank you!

05/08/2024

Charlie Denherder, a student at Cherryland Middle School, runs track and after practice a couple of times a week he runs along with students from the Lakeland Running Club. His infectious personality shines through as he has been overheard by others encouraging the younger runners with fist bumping and giving quick pep “you can do it” talks to motivate everyone to finish strong. “I have seen Charlie running by my house on many occasions. His enthusiasm and positive attitude toward the younger runners are a delight to see,” said Jill Gregorski. Caughtcha being GOOD, Charlie, and thank you for giving your time and energy!

04/24/2024

A deluge of rain wasn’t enough to deter Kip Knight from providing a helping hand to his neighbors, Rachel Peterson and her fiancé Spencer Hollenbeck. Kip saw Spencer moving dirt from the front to the backyard and offered to help. Rachel, a former student of Kip’s, said that she didn’t want him working in the rain, but he wouldn’t take no for an answer, saying “We’re getting this done.” With wheelbarrow and a shovel in tow, Kip didn’t leave until the job was done, even with it pouring rain! “Thank goodness for great neighbors! We are so appreciative,” said Rachel.

04/22/2024

A big Caughtcha being GOOD shoutout to the Elk Rapids Mobile Medical Response for providing first aid training classes to the parishioners of Sacred Heart Church in Elk Rapids.
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After a minor incident at the church, parishioners realized that they needed to learn how to respond appropriately to possible future medical emergencies as well as learn how to use equipment such as AEDs. Therefore, “First on The Scene,” a basic hands-on-training class to help in a medical emergency until EMS arrives, was offered at Sacred Heart Church Hall in Elk Rapids. Three classes were taught at no charge by instructors from Mobile Medical Response. Thirty-two people, including parishioners and community members, have been trained for this important service.

02/22/2024

Big Brothers Big Sisters (Bigs) is incredibly grateful for the critical support of 13 high school students from Elk Rapids High School who have dedicated their time and energy to mentor children at Mill Creek and Lakeland Elementary schools.
The impact of their presence in the lives of these children cannot be overstated. Through weekly meetings, they create a safe space for their Littles to express themselves, ask questions, and seek guidance. They offer a listening ear, a comforting presence, and a source of inspiration.
To the Elk Rapids superintendent, principal and staff: Thank you for believing in our program and in our mission. And to the 13 high school mentors: We cannot thank you enough for your dedication and commitment to these youth. Your selflessness and willingness to invest your time and energy is life changing.

01/11/2024

Bill White has been Marty and Mary Olosky’s neighbor and close friend for 23 years. For the past two years, the couple has had health issues that have affected their mobility. Every Friday after their garbage has been picked up, “Good Samaritan” Bill takes their empty garbage container back their house. Also, on occasions, Bill has returned other neighbors’ empty garbage containers to their garages. “We all feel Bill is an example of the “good” in people,” said Marty. “We really appreciate and are thankful for what he does for us and our neighbors.” Caughtcha being GOOD, Bill, and thank you!