City of Eaton Rapids
Michigan's Island City
Due to a road salt shortage, the City of Eaton Rapids is adjusting winter maintenance operations.
The Department of Public Works is prioritizing salt use on main intersections and high-traffic routes. Residents may notice reduced salting on local and residential streets.
This approach helps conserve available supplies while maintaining public safety in critical areas. We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding.
Please use caution when traveling during winter weather conditions.
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
GOOD SHEPHERD’S LOVE/CITY CONSIGNMENT-916 ½ S. Main Street, Eaton Rapids. 517-441-9250
MR. DALES TRADING CARDS-156 S. Main St, Eaton Rapids. 517-663-6136
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH-300 S. Main Street, Eaton Rapids. 517-663-3134
EATON RAPIDS MEDICAL CENTER-1500 S. Main Street, Eaton Rapids. 517-663-2671
ST. VINCENT DEPAUL-515 E. Knight Street, Eaton Rapids-517-663-4735
HEARTS AND HANDS-6463 S Clinton Trl, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. 517-663-7104
VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA DONATION BINS
Eaton Rapids and Eaton County launch next phase toward revitalization
EATON RAPIDS—On October 31, the Eaton County Land Bank Authority has officially acquired the historic Horner Mill property, a major step toward transforming one of the community’s most iconic and long-neglected sites.
With over 1,000 feet of river frontage on the Grand River, the Horner Mill once served as a cornerstone of Eaton Rapids’ industrial and cultural history. Today, the property faces significant environmental and structural challenges, including hazardous materials and several buildings in need of full demolition. With local ownership secured, work will now begin to identify and pursue funding for environmental cleanup, demolition, and future redevelopment.
“After years of blight and hazardous conditions, this historic site will be rehabilitated,” said Eaton Rapids Mayor Pamela Colestock. “We are committed to collaborating with the County Landbank to secure a bright future. The possibilities are truly endless.”
“This purchase marks a new beginning for one of Eaton Rapids’ most storied sites,” said Dairus Reynnet, Eaton County Treasurer and Chair of the Eaton County Land Bank Authority. “Local control means we can finally take charge of the property’s future, ensuring decisions are made in the best interest of the community.”
Both the City and County will continue to work closely to secure state and federal grant funding, engage with residents, and explore redevelopment options that align with community goals.
About the Eaton County Land Bank: The Eaton County Land Bank Authority works to return vacant, blighted, and tax-foreclosed properties to productive use through collaboration, investment, and community-driven planning.
CONTACT:
Logan Bailey
lbailey@eatoncounty.org
517-331-8922
Dear Residents,
The City of Eaton Rapids Electric Department is planning a scheduled power outage in your neighborhood. As we continue upgrading our lines and equipment, occasional outages are necessary to perform our work safely and efficiently. Our goal is to provide residents with the most reliable electric service possible. By performing work during these short outages, we aim to reduce the likelihood of longer, unplanned outages in the future.
City crews will be working in your neighborhood on Tuesday, October 21st. Power is expected to be off starting at approximately 11:00 a.m. and should last no more than two (2) hours.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at 517-663-8118. The locations of the affected areas are highlighted in the following map.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to improve our electric system.
Sincerely,
Rob Pierce
Public Works / Utility Director
City of Eaton Rapids
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,July3rdwith 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,July4thkicks 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 3rd 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 7th 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
