Mayor's Corner

I hope you are getting ready for a busy but fun spring in Eaton Rapids! We have many projects and events planned for this month. 

We have the return of Urban Air, May 7th-10th. There won’t be as many campers as last fall, but we will still have a lot of activities, including the beer tent with entertainment Thursday-Saturday. Friday is “eat local” where we are encouraging our camping friends along with the community to participate in any of our wonderful restaurants. Last fall, many of our restaurants reported record sales during Urban Air, so let’s do that again! 

E. Knight Street resurfacing from Main to East starts May 11th, weather permitting. This work could take until June 30th to complete. Please use caution traveling this street and use any detours that may be in place. We know it’s an inconvenience, but it will be well worth it to get this street resurfaced. 

Memorial Day activities start on Saturday, May 23 at 9am at Rosehill Cemetery where we will be placing flags at veteran’s graves. If you would like to help, meet us at the back of the cemetery where the maintenance shop is located. ER Lions Club will be doing a clean-up of the Perennial Park in the cemetery on Wednesday, May 20th at 5pm. If anyone wants to join them, just show up with a rake and gloves. 

On Monday, May 25th we will have the annual Memorial Day ceremonial parade starting at 11am. Please Note: the parade route has changed. Participants will line up on S. River Street, proceeding to State Street, then to Main Street, and proceed north on Main to E. Knight (pending construction). Residents who typically view the parade south of State Street are encouraged to relocate closer to downtown, or you will miss the parade. This event is intentionally smaller than the July 4th parade and is a solemn ceremony honoring our fallen veterans. A brief ceremony will follow the parade at G.A.R. Island Park. Those interested in participating in this year’s parade are welcome to contact me at pcolestock@cityofeatonrapids.gov. 

There is a Plant & Seed Exchange planned for Sunday, May 3rd at Howe Field, Pavilion #2 from 9am-12pm. This has been a popular event that has grown over the last few years. The event is free to attend, just show up and connect with other garden enthusiasts! 

As always, please contact me with any questions or concerns at pcolestock@cityofeatonrapids.gov or by phone at 517-410-9472. 

Mayor Pam Colestock 

Happy April!

As shared in last month’s newsletter, several city infrastructure projects are underway. You have likely noticed contractors working throughout the city to install new water mains. While construction can be disruptive, these improvements are essential to ensuring reliable and safe infrastructure for years to come. We will continue to update you as schedules change, but if you ever want to know if your street is affected, please check the city’s website, or Facebook page. That is the quickest way as we are posting updates as they happen.

The E. Knight Street resurfacing project is scheduled for May. An exact date has not yet been confirmed, but updates will be shared promptly via the City’s Facebook page, website, and newsletter. The project will be completed in phases, beginning with E. Knight Street from Main Street to East Street, followed by East to Donegal, and Center to Hamlin. Because these phases are funded through separate grants, construction may not occur simultaneously; however, we remain hopeful that the work can be coordinated efficiently. We also have street work starting on Hollowridge Drive, and J.P. Sullivan Drive in the north industrial park. This work was funded by a State of Michigan grant specific for this area.

The Memorial Day Committee is preparing for the Memorial Day parade and ceremony, which will take place on Monday, May 25, beginning at 11am. This year’s parade route has changed. Participants will line up on S. River Street, proceeding to State Street, then to Main Street, and north on Main to E. Knight (pending construction). Residents who typically view the parade south of State Street are encouraged to relocate closer to downtown. This event is intentionally smaller than the July 4th parade and is a solemn ceremony honoring our fallen veterans. A brief ceremony will follow at G.A.R. Island Park. Those interested in participating in this year’s parade are welcome to contact me at pcolestock@cityofeatonrapids.gov.

Additionally, flags will be placed at veteran’s graves at Rosehill Cemetery on Saturday, May 23rd, beginning at 9am. Volunteers are welcome and appreciated.  

As always, please contact me with any questions or concerns at pcolestock@cityofeatonrapids.gov or by phone at 517-410-9472. 

Mayor Pam Colestock 

Spring is almost here at Eaton Rapids! With that you will start seeing several projects happening within the City. Our Drinking Water project that we talked extensively about last year, has started so you will see a lot of activity with that project on-going throughout the year. We have some major street resurfacing projects as well as patching and repairs starting soon (weather permitting). Our DDA (Downtown Development Authority) is planning a Downtown Beautification sometime in late April and would love volunteers. If you are interested in helping, please contact me.

The City of Eaton Rapids will hold its’ annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 28^th at 11am at Martin Hansen Amphitheater/Park. This is typically a well-attended event, and we invite kids of all ages to attend and get your picture taken with the Easter Bunny!

I want to apologize for incorrectly stating the name of the new Deli & Bakery in the last newsletter. Simply Stacy’s Bakery & Deli, located at 115 S. Main Street, officially opened on February 23^rd and hope you all stop by and give them a try.

The annual State of the City address will be given at the March 9^th City Council meeting, instead of in February. Residents are invited to attend in person or watch online. As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns at pcolestock@cityofeatonrapids.gov or by phone at 517-410-9472.

Have a great March ER!

Mayor Pam Colestock

As we continue to navigate the challenges of winter weather, I want to remind residents of the proper process for reporting utility issues. If you experience a problem with water, sewer or electrical services, please contact City Hall directly. Although many turn to Facebook for quick updates, reporting issues on social media can delay response times. Our DPW team does not monitor Facebook, so notifying City Hall promptly, even outside normal business hours, is essential.

• Business Hours (Monday-Friday) 517-663-8118.
• After Hours/Weekend Utility Emergency- 517-231-6514

We have updated information regarding Urban Air. This year’s event will take place May 7-10, rather than early October. While the event will be slightly smaller, it promises to remain an enjoyable experience. Additionally, we are planning a Fall Festival for early October. This year is especially significant as we mark America’s 250^th birthday, and we are planning an expanded celebration for July 4th. More details will be shared as planning continues, and volunteers are welcome to assist for any of our events. Please reach out to me if you are interested.

As many of you have noticed, the former SSB Bank Building has been demolished to make way for the highly anticipated Taco Bell. While a completion date has not been announced,  updates will be provided as they become available.

We are excited to welcome several new businesses to our downtown. Stacy’s Deli and Bakery will open at 115 S. Main Street in February, followed by Gold Thimble Quilt Shop at 217 S. Main Street in March. Wildest Dreams Designs opened in early December. These additions represent positive growth for our downtown and I encourage you to support and welcome them.

Our Community Market will return in early June. Those interested in participating as vendors are encouraged to contact Jake Forquer at jforquer@cityofeatonrapids.gov or you can call (517) 237-3790.

Finally, I will deliver the annual State of the City address at the February 23^rd City Council meeting. Residents are invited to attend in person or watch online. As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns at pcolestock@cityofeatonrapids.gov or by phone at 517-410-9472.

Mayor Pam Colestock

As we closed out another remarkable year, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated city staff, police and fire departments, board members, volunteers, and city council. Your hard work and commitment made 2025 a year of progress and success for Eaton Rapids.

One of the highlights was the return of Urban Air—a community favorite—and we are already planning an even better event for this year. While progress on the Horner property was slower than hoped, the change in ownership marks a significant step forward, and we anticipate more positive developments in 2026.

We also led the way to expanding housing opportunities and welcomed new businesses to our city, with more openings on the horizon. Yes, Taco Bell is still on track this year! And don’t forget—the Sledding Hill officially reopened for winter fun. In addition, City Council approved several infrastructure projects, including street improvements, that will begin this year.

Even though the holidays are behind us, I would encourage you to remember those in need year-round. Many local organizations accept donations all year long, and you can find a list on the city’s website. These nonprofits—including the G.A.R. Memorial Hall & Museum, The Miller Farm, Eaton Rapids Senior Center, Good Shepard’s Love, and service clubs like Rotary and Lions—do incredible work to strengthen our community. If you are able, please consider supporting them so they can continue their mission.

As are start a new year, we are always looking for people who want to get involved. Whether it’s on a board, or volunteering for an event, we welcome you! If you are interested in volunteer opportunities, please let me know. 

Thank you for being part of what makes Eaton Rapids such a special place. Wishing you all a joyful, and prosperous New Year!

Mayor Pam Colestock

Happy Summer Eaton Rapids! I hope you are enjoying everything Eaton Rapids has to offer. Our parks, river, Wednesday night Cruise-In, Outdoor Recreation Center, and movies/music in the park. There is something for everyone!

We are gearing up for a fantastic Independence Day celebration, starting on Thursday,July3^rdwith Chalk Fest in the downtown, then Family Fun Night at Martin Hansen Amphitheater on W. Knight Street from 6pm-9pm with a movie playing at dark. Friday,July4^thkicks off with our parade at 11am, followed by activities immediately following throughout the day, with the grand finale fireworks. You can find more information on the City’s website and Facebook page.

The ER Lions Club will be selling popcorn at the movie on July 3^rd from 7pm-9pm and the Rotary is selling tickets now for their annual Chicken BBQ!

By the time you read this, we should have the new crosswalk signal installed at Main/Hamlin Streets. MDOT was able to bump us up in their schedule which we are very grateful! This crosswalk signal is on both sides of Main Street, in front of Las Flores restaurant and City Hall. When pedestrians need to cross, they will push the button on the pole to start the signal flashing, so vehicles are alerted to STOP and let pedestrians cross.

TacoBell has completed their first site plan review with our Planning Commission and will bring back more information at their July 7^th meeting. O’Reily’s Auto Parts is working hard on the former Rite Aid building and we are excited to welcome both new businesses to Eaton Rapids!

City Manager Ridge, Building Official Hummel and I had some fun the other day when the Michigan MunicipalLeaguepaid a visit to Eaton Rapids and filmed a video about what we are doing in Eaton Rapids for attracting new housing development. We toured Eaton Village (Tiny Homes), Bridgewater Senior Apartments and some vacant land that is slated for development. We were really excited to help them make this video and show off our beautiful city.

Have a safe and Happy Independence Day!

Mayor Pam Colestock