Northwestern Bank announced that in response to the recent passage of the Elk Rapids Schools technology bond, and in keeping with their commitment to supporting children and education, they have donated $300 worth of iTunes credits to Elk Rapids Schools.

“We’re very happy to receive this support from Northwestern,” said Stephen Prissel, superintendent of Elk Rapids Schools. “Their generosity will truly benefit our students and teachers.”

The technology bond allowed for the purchase of iPads for teachers and students, but state law does not allow the school to purchase application software with bond money for the devices. With this gift, Elk Rapids teachers will be able to purchase important teaching and educational applications for the newly acquired iPads.

Northwestern Bank was chartered in 1955 and is now the largest independent community bank in northern Michigan. A growing financial institution with more than $850 million in assets, the bank is one of the leading mortgage, consumer, and commercial lenders in the region. Based in Traverse City, Northwestern Bank offers complete banking, investment and trust, and employee benefit services from 28 offices throughout northern Lower Michigan. Northwestern is known for its “I can do that!” approach to service, which empowers employees to make decisions on the spot to meet customer needs and exceed their expectations.

For more information on Northwestern Bank, go to nwbank.com or call 264-5512.

(Source: Chamber press release)

Wednesday, June 27 marks the beginning of the popular Evening on River Street that brings weekly summer fun to the streets of Elk Rapids.

Every Wednesday through August 15, the weekly “street fair”  from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. features entertainment from musical artists such as Swallowtail, The Three B’s, Mark Sanders Band, Common Cents, Brett Mitchell Band, Dominic Fortuna, Miriam Pico, and Blue Shadow Band. Also scheduled to appear throughout the summer are Bodywise Zumba for kids, Jeff Manley-cartoonist, face painters, and visits from favorites Gramps and Shoestring.

In addition to the musical and comic entertainment, there will be weekly food vendors, story tellers, and a “fish pond” for the kids to “fish” for prizes. (Source: Chamber press release)