Gogebic Range Health Foundation Explores County-Wide Community Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 8, 2026 – The Gogebic Range Health Foundation (GRHF) is exploring the potential for a multi-location, collaboratively programmed community center to expand access to sports, recreation, health, wellness, and social programming across Gogebic County. The project would leverage existing facilities through shared programming, staffing, transportation, and funding. While no decisions have been made on construction, location, or operations, the initiative is focused on learning from the community to guide future strategies.

Over the past several months, GRHF’s Community Center Planning Team (CCPT) has conducted 10–12 focus groups with residents to better understand needs, service gaps, and barriers to access. “This project is incredibly exciting and energizing,” said Robert Brown, media contact for the CCPT. “The passion and dedication throughout the group is inspiring. The steering committee is actively working through challenges unique to Gogebic County, such as transportation and accessibility, to ensure any future plan serves all residents and is collaborative.”

The CCPT steering committee includes leaders from local government, education, healthcare, and community organizations, including Robert Brown, Yvonne Clark, Megan Hagen, Tom Bergman, Noah Hofstede, Klaus Kutschke, Yolanda Lozano, Suzanne Toth, Ashley Tarro, Lynne Wiercinski, Kassi Huotari, and Will Andresen.

This project, funded by a Rural Readiness Grant through the Michigan Office of Rural Prosperity, reflects GRHF’s commitment to engaging the community and exploring innovative approaches to meet the unique needs of the Gogebic Range.
GRHF is also seeking additional input from the general public. Community members are encouraged to complete a brief survey at gogebicrangehf.org/survey. Paper copies of the survey are available at the Ironwood Carnegie Library and the Watersmeet Township Building during regular business hours.

If you are unable to access either location or need assistance completing the survey, please email info@gogebicrangehf.org or call 906-364-7527 to coordinate accommodations. For more information, contact: Robert Brown, CCPT Media Representative Email: citymanager@cityofwakefieldmi.gov

About the Gogebic Range Health Foundation The Gogebic Range Health Foundation serves to advance community health throughout the Gogebic Range, including Iron County, WI and Gogebic County, MI, and to establish the Gogebic Range as a fun and healthy place to live.

Watersmeet Planning Commission 2025 Annual Report

The Watersmeet Planning Commission has completed its 2025 annual report, as required under the Michigan Planning Enabling Act. This report provides an overview of the Commission’s activities over the past year, along with updates on ongoing planning efforts and recommendations for future actions.

The annual report serves several important purposes:

  • Keeps the Township Board, staff, and the public informed on planning activities
  • Improves communication between boards, commissions, and local government
  • Helps identify upcoming priorities and potential budgeting needs
  • Recognizes the time and dedication of Planning Commission members

Residents and interested parties are encouraged to review the report to stay informed about planning and development efforts within Watersmeet.

The full 2025 Annual Report can be viewed here>

Planning Commission Meeting Date Change Notice

At its March 12 meeting, the Watersmeet Planning Commission voted to change its regular monthly meeting date. Beginning in April, meetings will be held on the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m., instead of the second Thursday.

The first meeting under the new schedule will take place on April 2 at 5:30 p.m.

The updated meeting schedule is reflected below.

  • January 8, 2026
  • February 12, 2026
  • March 12, 2026
  • April 2, 2026
  • May 7, 2026
  • June 4, 2026
  • July 2, 2026
  • August 6, 2026
  • September 3, 2026
  • October 1, 2026
  • November 5, 2026
  • December 3, 2026

Quilt Celebrating the Northwoods Gifted to Watersmeet Township

Watersmeet Township recently received a meaningful and artistic gift celebrating the land, wildlife and community spirit of the Northwoods.

Members of the Northwoods Quilters presented a handmade quilt to the township as a tribute to the region and it’s people. The quilt is now proudly displayed at the Watersmeet Township office for residents and visitors to enjoy.

The quilt was created as a celebration of the land, wildlife, and people who define the Northwoods. Its design reflects the meeting of rivers, the colors of the Upper Peninsula, and the creativity of the community.

Within the quilt’s design are images of animals commonly found in the region, including fish, deer, moose, bear, wolves and eagles. The piece evokes the haunting call of the loon, a familiar sound across Northwoods lakes.

The quilt also honors the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, (“LVD”) recognizing the tribe as the first stewards of the forests and waters in the area.

Inspiration for the quilt came from waterfalls, the northern lights and the waters of the Ottawa National Forest, creating a tribute to the place many residents proudly call home.

The quilt was made by members of the Northwoods Quilters: Aileen Williams, Cheryl Gorshe, Marti Wegner, Robert Yerks, Bonnie Peacock, Jean Erhart, Nancy Byrne, Sandy Hodgman, Cindy Tinker, Joan Cavanaugh, Regina Casey and Tammy Haluska.

LVD members Alina Shively and Lisa McGeshick guided the quilters in incorporating floral elements into the quilt that hold special significance to the Lac Vieux Desert tribe. The vintage tribal medallions were donated by Master Beader Tom Strobel.

The quilt stands as a lasting symbol of the natural beauty, cultural heritage and strong sense of community found in Watersmeet and throughout the Northwoods.

Seasonal Weight Restrictions – 2026

Effective at 8:00 a.m. CST on Friday, March 6, 2026, the Gogebic County Road Commission Spring Weight Restrictions will be in effect.

Local and Primary County Road System – Shall follow the Michigan Frost Laws that require a 35% reduction in axle loading.

All Season roads are exempt from restrictions. A list of those roads can be found on the GCRC website at www.gogebiccountyroadcornmlssion.org.

The Gogebic County Road Commission shall monitor the frost action on our roads for the remainder of the weight restricted season.

If you have any questions, please call (906) 667-0233.

Notice of Public Hearing for Watersmeet Township

  • Meeting Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
  • Meeting Time: 4:30 p.m.
  • Meeting Location: Township Community Center
  • Purpose of the Meeting: BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING

The Watersmeet Township Board of Trustees will conduct a public hearing on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 4:30 PM during the regular board meeting. The hearing will be held at the Township Community Center, located at N4689 1st Street, Watersmeet, MI. The purpose of the hearing is to review the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget and support the Truth-in-Taxation process. The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be a subject of this hearing. The regular monthly Board of Trustees meeting will be held after the hearing with the budget approval as an agenda item.

Copies of the proposed budget will be available on the Watersmeet website and at the Township Offices, also located at N4689 1st Street, after March 16, 2026. Comments on the budget will be accepted at the hearing or can be submitted in writing to Laura Mans, Watersmeet Township Clerk, P.O. Box 306, Watersmeet, MI 49969.

Hearing assistance devices are available for all Watersmeet Township public meetings with a minimum 24-hour notice. To request this service, please contact Yvonne Clark, Township Supervisor, at 906.358.4501 or email supervisor@watersmeetmi.gov.

EGLE Public Notices and Permits – Watersmeet Township

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), Water Resources Division, issues permits for certain construction and land or water activities in the Watersmeet area under the authority of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.

Public notices and approved permits will be posted here as they are received by Watersmeet Township.

Please check this page regularly for the most recent postings.

Note that this list is not comprehensive—only information and documentation provided to the Township by EGLE will be included. For complete or up-to-date permit information, residents are encouraged to contact EGLE directly.

Permits:

WRP047004 v. 1
Site Name: 27-Mi-TRALE Trail 3-Watersmeet Twp
Date Issued: October 31, 2025
Expiration Date: October 31, 2030

WRP048001 v. 1
Site Name: 27-Cisco Lake Bridging Tie
Date Issued: February 12, 2026
Expiration Date: February 12, 2031

WRP048079 v.1
Site Name:  27 – U.S. – 2 at Cedar Creek
Date Issued: March 3, 2026
Expiration Date: March 3, 2031

WRP049295 v. 1
Site Name:  27-Lobischer creek at FR 3218
Date Issued: June 22, 2026
Expiration Date: June 22, 2031

WRP049291 v. 1
Site Name:  27-WEC Energy Cable Replacement
Date Issued: June 29, 2026
Expiration Date: June 29, 2031

Public Notices:

HQK-061K-TMZE8
MiEnviro Site Name: 27 – East Beatons Lake Road at tributary to Two Mile Creek
Date: February 12, 2026
Comments Due By:  March 4, 2026

Water Quality Report – 2025

NOTICE

Watersmeet Township Water Customers

The annual “Consumer Confidence Report” for the year ending December 31, 2025, which summarizes the quality of drinking water from the Watersmeet Township Water System, is available for review at the Township Office, N4689 1st Street, Watersmeet, MI  49969, Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Click Here to Read Report>

The report will not be mailed to Township residents.