Antrim County Operator of Dams

06/11/2026

Our roving and newest dept member is doing "swimmingly" at keeping a close eye on the lake levels at the Elk Rapids Dam.🐢

06/08/2026

The Operator of Dams has several hundred 60lb sandbags available for no charge in downtown Bellaire. Need a few or a truckload? They must be moved via a dolly or one at a time. Approximately 300 feet to the nearest parking area.

PLEASE NOTE! The bags are filled with concrete sand which does not work for playground or beach sand.

Call 231-533-3633 to arrange pick up.

05/04/2026

BOATING ON THE CHAIN OF LAKES

Water levels remain above normal. The risk of shoreline erosion continues, and many homeowners are still dealing with the impacts of flooding. Additionally, there is confirmed floating debris in the waterways, with more coming ashore.

However, water levels are beginning to recede. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is monitoring their boat launches and making determinations whether they remain open or closed during the ongoing flooding recovery.

Townships and villages have been asked to do the same for boat launches under their control.

BOATING ON THE CHAIN OF LAKES

Water levels remain above normal. The risk of shoreline erosion continues, and many homeowners are still dealing with the impacts of flooding. Additionally, there is confirmed floating debris in the waterways, with more coming ashore.

However, water levels are beginning to recede. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is monitoring their boat launches and making determinations whether they remain open or closed during the ongoing flooding recovery.

Townships and villages have been asked to do the same for boat launches under their control.

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05/01/2026

Concerned about your well water after our recent flooding? Contact the Health Department of Northwest MI for a well testing kit. 1-800-386-5959

04/29/2026

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1424430616154892&id=100057639001758&mibextid=ZbWKwL

04/29/2026

Did your home or cottage see damage during the recent rain and flooding event? Please record your damage on the Self-Reporting website. While volunteers have been out assisting with assessing the damage, many had not yet returned to their homes and damages may have been under reported. Questions? Please reach out to Antrim County Emergency Management.

https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/6e1d8996f0704b9fab5395eecd63a65e?portalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Femhsd.maps.arcgis.com&fbclid=IwY2xjawRMryNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE4QzZOa2hNMUJWUkZNZEE3c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHl4QN80zKc3HZW16EFcRsCuG4QFEkvHCPnY7UFYhBwnyA6JQOaScCIFRleaG_aem_FmCoEGYjzizSiU6ctAYahw

This survey is provided by the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division for statewide use for residents to report damage following disasters. Survey data is shared with local Emergency Management programs.

04/24/2026

For Immediate Release

Contact: Janet Koch, Antrim County Public Information Officer
[email protected]
Office: 231-533-6265

Boating on the Chain of Lakes
• Floating/submerged debris, high water levels, and strong currents continue to be a risk to boaters.
• There is also an erosion concern as boat wakes in the current high-water conditions have the potential to accelerate or further damage homes, shorelines, and infrastructure.
• Given the amount of debris and the increased water levels that continue on the Upper Chain, we are asking all townships and villages along the Upper Chain of Lakes to continue the temporary closure of their public boat launches until further notice.

BOATING ON THE CHAIN OF LAKES

• Floating/submerged debris, high water levels, and strong currents continue to be a risk to boaters.

• There is also an erosion concern as boat wakes in the current high-water conditions have the potential to accelerate or further damage homes, shorelines, and infrastructure.

• Given the amount of debris and the increased water levels that continue on the Upper Chain, we are asking all townships and villages along the Upper Chain of Lakes to continue the temporary closure of their public boat launches until further notice.

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04/24/2026

Has anyone found Svana the Swan yet? If you do, please return to the County Building. Thx!

04/21/2026

April 21, 2026
For Immediate Release

Flood Recovery Support: Free Supply Buckets Available
Residents in Antrim, Charlevoix, and Emmet Counties Can Access Recovery Supplies

The Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) is partnering with Disaster Relief at Work (DRAW) to provide free flood clean-up supply buckets to community members in the three counties most impacted by recent flooding: Antrim, Charlevoix, and Emmet.

“We are grateful to partner with County Emergency Managers and Disaster Relief at Work to bring essential clean-up supplies directly to our communities,” says Shannon Klonowski, HDNW Health Officer. “We encourage residents of Antrim, Charlevoix, and Emmet counties to take advantage of these resources as they begin the recovery process. Our priority is to support safe, healthy homes and to help our neighbors get back on their feet as quickly as possible.”

Each free bucket includes essential items to aid in effective clean-up, such as dish soap, scrub brushes, garbage bags, all-purpose cleaner, laundry detergent, gloves, face masks, and more.

Community members are encouraged to visit their nearest HDNW office to pick up supplies. Availability is limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, one bucket per household. Antrim and Emmet counties clean-up supplies are currently available. Charlevoix County supply buckets will not be available until Thursday.

Pick-up Locations:

Antrim County:
209 Portage Drive
Bellaire, MI 49615

Charlevoix County:
220 W. Garfield Ave.
Charlevoix, MI 49720

Emmet County:
3434 Harbor-Petoskey Road, Suite A
Harbor Springs, MI 49740

To learn more about programs and services offered through HDNW visit our website at nwhealth.org or call us locally at 800-432-4121. To stay informed on local health updates, consider subscribing to our monthly newsletter by clicking here.

HEALTH DEPT. OF NW MICHIGAN 4-21-2026 PRESS RELEASE:

Flood Recovery Support: Free Supply Buckets Available
Residents in Antrim, Charlevoix, and Emmet Counties Can Access Recovery Supplies

The Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) is partnering with Disaster Relief at Work (DRAW) to provide free flood clean-up supply buckets to community members in the three counties most impacted by recent flooding: Antrim, Charlevoix, and Emmet.

“We are grateful to partner with County Emergency Managers and Disaster Relief at Work to bring essential clean-up supplies directly to our communities,” says Shannon Klonowski, HDNW Health Officer. “We encourage residents of Antrim, Charlevoix, and Emmet counties to take advantage of these resources as they begin the recovery process. Our priority is to support safe, healthy homes and to help our neighbors get back on their feet as quickly as possible.”

Each free bucket includes essential items to aid in effective clean-up, such as dish soap, scrub brushes, garbage bags, all-purpose cleaner, laundry detergent, gloves, face masks, and more.

Community members are encouraged to visit their nearest HDNW office to pick up supplies. Availability is limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, one bucket per household. Antrim and Emmet counties clean-up supplies are currently available. Charlevoix County supply buckets will not be available until Thursday.

Pick-up Locations:

Antrim County:
209 Portage Drive
Bellaire, MI 49615

Charlevoix County:
220 W. Garfield Ave.
Charlevoix, MI 49720

Emmet County:
3434 Harbor-Petoskey Road, Suite A
Harbor Springs, MI 49740

To learn more about programs and services offered through HDNW visit our website at nwhealth.org or call us locally at 800-432-4121.

04/20/2026

FLOODING RECOVERY: UPDATE

Water levels at the Bellaire Dam have lowered and are continuing their downward trend. The “Ready” evacuation protocol for areas south of the Bellaire Dam was lifted on Sunday, April 19.

Property Damage Due to Flooding

Damage assessments are continuing; CERT team members and first responders are taking pictures of impacted homes. If you would like to conduct your own survey, a self-survey is pinned to the top of Antrim County Emergency Management’s page. Damage assessments are focused on damage to the living areas of homes.

Locations for residents to drop off vegetative debris (trees, branches, etc.) are being determined. Please be aware that County officials cannot remove any type of debris from private property.

Property Lost on the Chain of Lakes

Some property swept downstream during the flooding has been placed at municipal parks and road ends. To report missing items, an email can be sent to [email protected]. Use the subject line “Lost Property” and describe the item(s) precisely, with photos if possible.

Boating on the Chain of Lakes

• Floating/submerged debris, high water levels, and strong currents continue to be a risk to boaters. There is also an erosion concern as boat wakes in the current high-water conditions have the potential to accelerate or further damage homes, shorelines, and infrastructure.
• Thank you to the township and villages on the Lower Chain (downstream of the Bellaire Dam) that temporarily closed their public boat launches. With the waters starting to recede, those closures are no longer necessary.
• Given the large amount of debris on the Upper Chain, we are asking all townships and villages along the Upper Chain of Lakes to continue the temporary closure of their public boat launches.
• Note: the DNR will be making independent assessments of their boat launches.
To enroll in Antrim County’s alert system, go to www.getrave.com/login/antrimcounty and click the “Register” button at the upper right.

FLOODING RECOVERY: UPDATE

Water levels at the Bellaire Dam have lowered and are continuing their downward trend. The “Ready” evacuation protocol for areas south of the Bellaire Dam was lifted on Sunday, April 19.

Property Damage Due to Flooding

Damage assessments are continuing; CERT team members and first responders are taking pictures of impacted homes. If you would like to conduct your own survey, a self-survey is pinned to the top of Antrim County Emergency Management’s page. Damage assessments are focused on damage to the living areas of homes.

Locations for residents to drop off vegetative debris (trees, branches, etc.) are being determined. Please be aware that County officials cannot remove any type of debris from private property.

Property Lost on the Chain of Lakes

Some property swept downstream during the flooding has been placed at municipal parks and road ends. To report missing items, an email can be sent to [email protected]. Use the subject line “Lost Property” and describe the item(s) precisely, with photos if possible.

Boating on the Chain of Lakes

• Floating/submerged debris, high water levels, and strong currents continue to be a risk to boaters. There is also an erosion concern as boat wakes in the current high-water conditions have the potential to accelerate or further damage homes, shorelines, and infrastructure.
• Thank you to the township and villages on the Lower Chain (downstream of the Bellaire Dam) that temporarily closed their public boat launches. With the waters starting to recede, those closures are no longer necessary.
• Given the large amount of debris on the Upper Chain, we are asking all townships and villages along the Upper Chain of Lakes to continue the temporary closure of their public boat launches.
• Note: the DNR will be making independent assessments of their boat launches.

To enroll in Antrim County’s alert system, go to www.getrave.com/login/antrimcounty and click the “Register” button at the upper right.

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