Mayor Pamela Colestock

12/01/2025

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10/03/2025

Urban Air Day 1 in the books! Wow what a great day!! I heard all day how welcoming, friendly and awesome Eaton Rapids is. Of course, I already knew that but to hear that from visitors warms my heart! ❤️

06/11/2025

This was a great workshop for our entire team! We pray we never need to use the information but in case we do we are all better prepared.

We were invited by the City of Eaton Rapids to lead a Community Readiness workshop in preparation for their Fourth of July events🎆Building on the work from previous years, the session revisited key initiatives discussed last year to strengthen community readiness. We took a deeper dive into long-term recovery planning, and to conclude the workshop, our partners at Common Ground shared their lived experiences supporting community members and elected officials in the aftermath of local tragedies.

Thank you to the following agencies and organizations that participated!
🔹City Manager Ridge
🔹Councilman Steele
🔹Mayor Colestock
🔹Eaton County 911
🔹Eaton Rapids Police Department
🔹Eaton Rapids Fire Department
🔹Eaton Rapids Medical Center
🔹City of Eaton Rapids
🔹Eaton Rapids Township Fire Department
🔹Eaton Rapids Public Service Department
🔹City of Eaton Rapids Parks and Recreation
🔹Common Ground

06/10/2025

05/16/2025

What an absolute honor!!! And, to be recognized along side these great men is truly a blessing!! ❤️

On Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the Eaton Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner, we had the honor of recognizing three outstanding individuals who go above and beyond for our community:

Rob Pierce, Utilities/DPW Director, received the Doug Stevenson Employee of the Year Award for his exceptional dedication and service to the City. Rob is someone who goes above and beyond—day in and day out. Whether he's setting up holiday decorations, placing barriers for parades, assisting at the Community Market, or ensuring safe pedestrian crossings, Rob is always ready to step in and help wherever he's needed.

His behind-the-scenes contributions have led to major improvements across our city, including securing millions in grant funding for roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure at both the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants. He also plays a key role in maintaining our parks and seeing improvement projects through with care and precision.

One unforgettable example of Rob’s dedication came after a severe windstorm, when he entered the river to remove trees lodged at the State Street Dam—without hesitation and without being asked.

Rob’s quiet leadership and can-do spirit embody the very essence of this award. His work may not always be in the spotlight, but his impact is felt throughout Eaton Rapids.
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Mayor Pamela Colestock was honored with the Ted Oliver Community Service Award for her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of our residents.

Pamela’s service goes far beyond her role as Mayor. She has been a steady and positive force in many local efforts—from helping preserve our history through the G.A.R. Museum, to supporting youth programs like the Teen Center Project and Teen Space, to playing an active role in events like the 4th of July parade and Strut Your Stuff.

She’s also known for her behind-the-scenes work: planting flowers on the bridges, decorating the island for the holidays, supporting the Lions Club, and helping bring projects like Urban Air back to Eaton Rapids. Her efforts are a reflection of someone who truly cares about our city and its people.

The Ted Oliver Award honors those who give their time and energy to make Eaton Rapids a stronger, more connected community. Pamela embodies that spirit, and we’re grateful for all she continues to do.
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SRO Jason Ferguson earned the Roger McNutt Public Safety Award for his outstanding work in keeping our schools and community safe.

Since joining Eaton Rapids Public Schools in May 2021, Officer Ferguson has gone above and beyond his role, helping to create a safe, supportive, and positive learning environment for students. He serves not only as a protector but also as a mentor and role model, building strong relationships with students, staff, and families.

One of the many ways Officer Ferguson has made an impact is through his “Food with Ferg” program—an initiative he launched in collaboration with local restaurants, Eaton Rapids Public Schools, and the Eaton Rapids Police Department. Each week, three students are selected to join Officer Ferguson for lunch, creating a unique opportunity to build trust and foster connection outside the classroom.

Officer Ferguson’s work exemplifies the values behind the Roger McNutt Award—integrity, commitment, and a deep dedication to public service. His efforts to build bridges between law enforcement and youth are making a lasting difference in our community.

Please join us in congratulating Rob, Pam, and Jason on these well-deserved recognitions!

04/25/2025

River Clean up coming in May!!! Give the Grand a Hand!

04/25/2025

Welcome Foster Coffee!!!!

12/07/2024

The City of Eaton Rapids has been opting out of this extra fee for the last several years but State lawmakers don’t want to leave it to locals anymore which means we may be forced to tack on the additional fee. I am totally against this and will plea to our State Legislators to reconsider passing this.

LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) - Legislators are proposing adding a $2 monthly fee on each retail water meter to create a fund that could be used

07/28/2024

Do you ever wonder what we use to determine River Flow Conditions of the Grand River in our area?

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) River Flow Measuring Gauge is our key to Safe Paddling.

American Canoe Association Level II Kayaking Instructor, and Past City of Eaton Rapids Mayor, Paul Malewski discusses the USGS River Flow Measuring Gauge and it's importance to the Paddling Community here in Eaton Rapids:

Tucked in the trees on the right side of the river, just upriver from the Petrieville Rd bridge, is a small block building with a broadcast dish on the roof. Unobtrusive and blending into the landscape, covered with ivy fronds, you may have never seen it or, if you did, you didn’t give it a second thought.

Housed within that building is the USGS river flow gauge epicenter. The gauge provides up to date information on the flow rates, depth and volume of our most treasured resource, the Grand River.

You may ask yourself why is it important to have this information and who and how is it used. River speed is important-it’s the “flow rate” and is measured by cubic feet per second that flows past the gauge. It provides information on the current. The higher the flow rate the faster the current. This is a primary safety issue and each of the 3 liveries in our area use the “CFS” to determine whether or not they can safely rent boats to novice paddlers. If the “CFS” is above 1200 the liveries don’t rent boats. Something you have to keep in mind when going on our river, or any river, is the fact that if you stop paddling your kayak/canoe the river will push you where it wants you to go. Sometimes with tragic results. Downed trees, called strainers, are the biggest hazard. Water flows through the strainer but solid objects don’t. At high flow rates you can be pushed into a strainer in the blink of an eye and if you don’t know how to escape you can be tipped and trapped

Our stretch of the river is fairly shallow, in comparison to the upper river above Smithville. During high water events , which we have experienced lately, that typically shallow river changes dramatically. You can see evidence of depth changes on the trees adjacent to the river. Look at the water marks and at the bank erosion or plants. In our stretch there is a spot known to most of us as “Turtle Rocks.” A series of boulders in the center of the river half way to Petrieville. Typically, at this time of year, the boulders are mostly exposed and the turtles use them for sunning themselves. If those boulders are submerged they present a hazard but more importantly they reinforce the fact that the river depth has increased dramatically. In order for those boulders to be under water the river is typically 12” to 18” higher than normal for this time of year. Add 18” of water across the board and those 2’ holes that are usually wadable are now 3.5’ deep and with the increased current flow aren’t as easily traversed.

The volume of water can significantly add to bank erosion and lend itself to flooding the low lying areas and conceal hazards such as debris, trees etc. How many of you are aware that there is an overturned boat in mid channel half way between Petrieville and Bunker Rd? Not something you want to encounter with your legs hanging over your tube.

We want you to be safe on our river. We want you to enjoy all of the recreational opportunities that it offers. We want you to practice “no trace.” Take with you memories and pictures and leave behind only footprints. Don’t take glass containers on the river. They can fall overboard and break. They can break in your boat. They are heavy to transport. Wear your life jacket. I know they can be cumbersome but if it is fitted properly it will save your life. Recently there was a tragic loss of life on an inland lake in Ionia. A couple were paddling their kayaks and they capsized. They had removed their life jackets because they were uncomfortable. One of the kayakers didn’t surface and was located several days later. Tragic but preventable.

The American Canoe Association offers online educational opportunities for both novice and seasoned paddlers in kayaking, canoeing and stand up paddle boarding. In addition, instructors and classes are available to provide an enhanced experience. You invest a lot of money in your gear. Learn to use it properly. Wear those life jackets. Don’t be a statistic or a story on page 5.

You can visit the gauge at “USGS Michigan Streamflow” and scroll down to the line that covers the Grand River near Eaton Rapids. Two weeks ago our cfs was 2900. It is typically 650 this time of year.

Be safe out there and I will see you on the river.

Get up to date data on River Conditions from USGS River Flow Gauge in our area by visiting https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?site_no=04111000&legacy=1

07/26/2024

Pancake Breakfast tomorrow First Congregational Church of Eaton Rapids! 7:30am-10:30am. $7 gets you pancakes, sausage links, scrambled eggs, biscuit/gravy, applesauce, coffee juice and water!
(Thanks Charice Lynn Menichelli I borrowed your picture!).