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City of Eaton Rapids

Michigan's Island City

News

October Mayor’s Corner

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I want to take the opportunity to let you know about some upcoming events. On October 30th the annual Downtown Trick or Treat, from 5-7pm. Local businesses will be passing out candy and treats to all the kids. Please watch carefully for pedestrians crossing Main Street as this is usually a very well attended event.

The Eaton Rapids Lions Club will hold its 80th Anniversary at the Eaton Rapids Area District Library on Wednesday, November 6th from 4pm-6pm. Cake and punch will be provided. All past and present Lions Club members are invited to attend, along with the public. At the same time, the Lions Peace Poster contest will be on display where the general public will vote for the best artwork created by our local teens. Voting is from November 6th-8th at the library.  Please plan to come out and celebrate the Eaton Rapids Lions!

The Jean Bradford Kline Senior Center will hold its’ annual Veterans Day plaque unveiling on Saturday, November 16th at 10am. Please plan to attend to pay tribute to the local heroes whose names will be displayed.

I want to give an update on the recycling center. The city has not been successful at obtaining grant funding to build a recycling building. It seems the State of Michigan would like to direct funds towards County recycling efforts. That being said, we are working with Eaton County to have their mobile recycling unit come to the City of Eaton Rapids once per month so that any Eaton County resident can turn in their recyclables. We are working out those details now and will update all of you once they are final. It’s a huge disappointment that we won’t have our own center, but I think this option will be very good for our residents.

Thank you!

Mayor Pam Colestock

Early Voting Dates and Locations 

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Election Day Voting November 5, 2024 
Polls open 7am-8pm 
101 Line St. Eaton Rapids 

Early Voting Dates and Locations 
October 26-November 3 
Carmel Township Building 
661 Beech Hwy, Charlotte 

  • Day 1, Saturday, October 26, 2024: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 
  • Day 2, Sunday, October 27, 2024: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 
  • Day 3, Monday, October 28, 2024: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
  • Day 4, Tuesday, October 29, 2024: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
  • Day 5, Wednesday, October 30, 2024: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
  • Day 6, Thursday, October 31, 2024: 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 
  • Day 7, Friday, November 1, 2024: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
  • Day 8, Saturday, November 2, 2024: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 
  • Day 9, Sunday, November 3, 2024: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Apply to be an Election Inspector 
Email- rwebb@cityofeatonrapids.gov 
Call – 517-237-3786 
Website – www.cityofeatonrapids.gov/elections/ 

City Clerk’s Office will be open November 2, 2024, from 7am-3pm to register to vote. 

Free Transit from EATRAN for Nov 5 Election Day

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Tri-County transits offer free rides through Election Day

Free rides in Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties give voters access to register, vote early through Nov. 5

LANSING, Mich., Oct. 2 — To eliminate transportation barriers and ensure voter access, the tri-county region’s three transit agencies – CATA, EATRAN and Clinton Transit – are offering systemwide free rides now through the Nov. 5 state general election for riders registering to vote, participating in early voting, dropping off ballots at drop boxes and voting in-person on Election Day.

“Transit systems in the tri-county region have long supported voter-access initiatives,” said Bradley T. Funkhouser, CATA CEO and EATRAN executive director. “Transportation barriers are a threat to democracy. We’re committed to removing those barriers.”

Need a ride to register or vote? Simply inform your driver that you are going to vote, and your ride is free — no ID required. For a list of early voting locations, ballot drop boxes and polling sites, visit www.michigan.gov/vote. Riders will also find voting sites and can plan their trips for election-related activities via Transit app. Download the app today from your app store.

Trips on CATA’s Spec-Tran and Rural Service must be scheduled by 5 p.m. the day before a rider plans to vote. Same-day rides are not available for these services. CATA recommends that all Redi-Ride trips to vote be scheduled a day in advance. Demand-response rides can be arranged by calling 517-394-2282.

EATRAN riders must reserve trips to and from Eaton County’s early voting locations, ballot drop boxes and polling centers by calling 517-543-4087 no later than 5 p.m. the day before they plan to vote.

Clinton Transit voters should call 989-224-8127 or use the Clinton Transit mobile app to schedule a ride at least a day in advance. Scheduling hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Saturday, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Visit www.cata.org/vote, www.eatran.com or www.mybluebus.com for additional information regarding free rides.

About

CATA, EATRAN and Clinton Transit work collaboratively to meet the mobility needs of our region. Our services are provided in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, without discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin.

Point of Contact:
Lolo Robison
517-896-1873

September Mayor’s Corner

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Wow, summer is almost gone! I hope you’ve been able to enjoy our summer here in Eaton Rapids! We have many events coming this fall and will have more details as they get closer, but here is a quick summary:

  • Raise the Woof–Saturday, September 21st 9am-3pm. Bring your furry friends downtown for a doggy costume contest, dog treat making, bandana making, and more!
  • ERFD 150th Anniversary–Saturday, September 28th. Events start at 8am with a 5K-Walk/Run, 11am Fire Truck Parade down Main Street, tours, food, and games at the Public Safety Building. Come and celebrate our Fire Department!
  • Annual Triathlon–Saturday, October 5th– Starts at Mill Pointe Park with a 5K Run/Kayaking/Biking. Then, the Eaton Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce will hold Autumn on the Island in the afternoon. More details to come!

Some of you may have heard but if not, we are bringing back Urban Air! I want to thank Kirk MacKellar who, after a long hiatus, asked us if we would be interested in doing this again, and of course we said YES! This won’t happen until October 2025, but it will take time to plan. We are looking for people that would like to help us plan, so if you are interested, please reach out to me. You do not need to be a resident of the City, as this is a community event so even if you live in the townships, we’d love to have your participation. If you are not sure what this is, it’s a festival of Air Streams that will camp out on our Main Street for a weekend. There will be lots of other activities including food and entertainment, so watch for more information as it comes together.

Labor Day is coming up, so enjoy the last few weeks of summer, and stay safe!  

Mayor Pam Colestock

Raise the Woof: 5k-9 Walk/Run (September 21, 2024)

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Schedule of Events: 

8am 5k-9 Run/Walk:

Register today to compete in our first Eaton Rapids Raise the Woof 5k-9 Run/Walk. This run/walk is perfect for you and your favorite furry friend! Explore Eaton Rapids while exercising with your buddy. Each registrant is welcome to run or walk the 5k, depending on their ability and the ability of their pet. To sign up follow this registration link: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/EatonRapids/RaiseTheWoof5K9RunWalkER

10am Dog Bandana Making:

The Eaton Rapids Arts Council is leading a dog bandana making session!

At this station make a custom bandana for your dog. We will be offering green, yellow, and red bandanas to let other people know how comfortable your dog is with being touched. This is a great activity that helps keep everyone safe!

Treat Trail (All Day): Check out local businesses throughout downtown Eaton rapids on the downtown treat trail.

Stop at all 6 businesses to fill your pet’s tummy and see all that downtown Eaton Rapids has to offer! Pick up your Treat Trail map at the check-in booth. 

$8 Nail Trims (All Day): For one day only!

Mel’s pampered pets is offering discounted nail clips for raise the woof! Make sure you get there early to take advantage of this awesome discount from a great local business!

11am Dog Treat Making Station: 

Dog Photo Booth: Always wanted a picture of you and your pet? Or maybe just a good photo of your dog! check out our dog photo booth! Photos will be taken by the incredibly talented

Puppy and Me Stretch Session: Movement and mindset session for you and your pup. Join us for light stretching, breathwork, and intention-setting to harmonize the rest of your day with Caytie Maurer of Suncharged Warrior

Beginner Obedience with G & H Training: This short class will introduce you and your dog to the world of training and obedience. Join us to learn simple moves and get information on future training opportunities.

12pm Costume Contest:

Dress your pup up to compete in the dog costume contest! Dogs of all ages and sizes are welcomed to join. Strut your stuff in front of our judges to see how you stack up! The winner will get a gift card to a downtown business

Willow Haven Adoption Event: Willow Haven Animal Sanctuary will be bringing dogs for an adoption event in downtown Eaton Rapids.

If you’ve considered adding a pet to your family, this is a great way to come out, meet the dogs, and, just maybe, meet your new best friend!

1pm Puppy and Me Stretch Session:

Movement and mindset session for you and your pup. Join us for light stretching, breathwork, and intention-setting to harmonize the rest of your day with Caytie Maurer of Suncharged Warrior.

Beginner obedience with G & H Training: This short class will introduce you and your dog to the world of training and obedience.

Join us to learn simple moves and get information on future training opportunities.

2pm Dog Treat Making Station

Chill Dog Pools Open: During the hottest point of the day we are opening up the pools!

Come chill at BlackDog coffee in one of their dog-friendly kiddie pools. This is a great place for your dog to relax, cool off, and just hang with other dogs.

Saying Goodbye to a pet Info session: TBA

3pm Police Dog demonstration: TBA

Puppy Ice cream social: No party is complete without a little ice cream!

All dogs will get a free dog-friendly iced treat or a cup of whipped cream–whichever they’d prefer.

August Mayor’s Corner

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I hope you are all enjoying a great summer in Eaton Rapids! We’ve had great weather for picnics, music and movies in the park, and kayaking at the Outdoor Recreation Center. Speaking of that, have you seen the new pavilion at Mill Pointe Park? This is the park that surrounds the boat livery directly behind Quality Dairy. This pavilion was constructed from funds the city received from Eaton County Parks. It’s a beautiful addition to this area and we couldn’t thank Eaton County enough! I also want to thank city staff, especially DPW Director Rob Pierce and his staff for much of the work and Visionary Builders. Great job! If you are interested in using this space for an event, be sure to contact Parks Director Corey Cagle at City Hall to reserve it, otherwise just enjoy it!

I am asked often about updates regarding the Horner Mill property. I wish I had one! The City has agreed to a settlement with the current owners, Mill St. LLC, but we are now waiting for them to sign the property over to the Eaton County Land Bank. I had hoped that would have happened by now, but we are confident it will happen. I will keep you all updated when it does!

We will once again be offering a Citizens Academy early next year where city or township residents who want to learn more about the city and city government can take a short 8-week course and learn all about the different departments and functions of the city. The last time this was offered was 2008. I think the first one was in 2003 or 2004 and I attended that course. You really learn a lot so I would encourage any of you that are interested in learning more to sign up. As soon as we have this ready to go, we will post about it on the City Facebook page, and our website. The cost will be $20 and that is to cover the cost of materials for the 8 weeks. Tours of city facilities will also be included.


Have a great rest of your summer, stay safe!

Mayor Pam