Posts by Zoe

Watersmeet Beautification Committee Launches Community Initiative
Enriching Watersmeet One Project at a Time

A new community-driven effort is blooming in Watersmeet. The newly formed Watersmeet Beautification Committee is calling on residents—both full-time and seasonal—to help enhance the natural charm of the area through a series of small but impactful projects.

The committee’s current focus includes creating new flower planters, maintaining existing garden beds, and restoring the scenic tree line along Route 45 near the Watersmeet Pavilion Park. Volunteers of all skill levels are welcome, and the time commitment for most projects is minimal.

This is a great opportunity for individuals, service clubs, school groups, lake associations, and neighborhood organizations to get involved and make a visible difference in our community. The initiative aims to foster a stronger sense of community pride and ensure that Watersmeet continues to thrive and grow.

Those interested in volunteering or learning more about the program are encouraged to contact Denise Fauntleroy at 630-881-7252.

On September 10, 2025, Many Waters LLC notified the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), Water Resources Division (WRD), Aquatic Nuisance Control (ANC) that they suspected non-native watermilfoil in Bass Lake, Gogebic County had been treated using a pesticide. ANC staff confirmed no ANC permit had been issued for Bass Lake, Gogebic County.

ANC staff immediately began an investigation to gather information from residents, local officials, and Lac Vieux Desert Tribe. Sampling of water, sediment, and plant tissue took place on October 16, 2025. Samples of water, sediment, and plant tissue were delivered to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Pesticide Laboratory and Eurofins Scientific Laboratory on October 17, 2025.

Click here to review the staff report from EGLE>

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.

The Watersmeet Township Proposed Budgets 2026-2027 are available for review.

• Township Proposed Budget>
• Water/Wastewater Proposed Budget>

A public hearing will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

• Notice of Public Hearing>

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.

• 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.

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

WRP049731
Site Name:  27-N3869 Maplewood Rd-Watersmeet Twp
Date Issued:  August 3, 2026
Expiration Date:  August 3, 2031

WRP049867
Site Name:  ATC 6530 and Mass overhead transmission line
Date Issued:  August 6, 2026
Expiration Date:  August 6, 2031

Public Notices: