Stories by
Emily Kay Votruba
Village Election Guide
Check back on this page for hot election takes and updates as they occur.
Take a Breather
A report on the July 16, 2026, regular council meeting. Plus a sneak preview of where the Betsie Valley Trail might go through the new development to E Beach, and a link to the live Elberta Commons Community Survey
A Democratic Candidate’s Corporate Ties Exposed
Is enough enough? When it comes to “money out of politics” Callie Barr’s claims may amount to small change indeed.
County Administrator Leaving for Fremont
Special County Commission Meeting Tomorrow
The Long and Short of It: Council Agenda and Parks & Rec
The Budget, Grant, Finance, and Audit Committee meeting has been rescheduled for tomorrow, Bastille Day, at 8 a.m. For Thursday’s council meeting the list is skeletal but includes a UB Clerk application.
Work the Polls
Gilmore Clerk Amanda Rommell still needs election workers for early voting. The in-person training was July 9, but you can still do a self-paced training anytime before July 25 to get certified. My earlier post suggested you need to be present at the Gilmore Board meeting tomorrow but
Elberta Commons Update
Per a postcard handed out to members of the Parks & Rec Commission at their July 9 meeting, the first charrette will be held September 22–24, with some preliminary activities you can sign up for online, though it’s unclear how exactly.
Council Hires AI-Enhanced Code Enforcement Officer and Things of That Nature
At least one human will use AI to notify the Village within 120 seconds of a potential violation. Council also accepted the UB clerk's resignation and ordered speed humps again.
Special Meeting Monday Morning
At 8 a.m. Council will convene to consider a resignation, meet with Jim Baldwin about code enforcement, and discuss speed humps.
Turtlefest: It’s a Movement
The signs are coming down ahead of schedule — some of our bescuted friends are still scooting across. Please watch for them, and tell your fellow FOTs.