Watersmeet Halloween: Fire Trucks and Treats

Print Friendly Flyer>

Watersmeet Fire Trucks & Treats

Join us on Friday, October 31st from 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM at the Watersmeet Community Center for Fire Trucks & Treats!

This fun, safe Halloween event will feature:

  • Watersmeet Fire & Police Department – handing out candy and showing off the fire trucks
  • ISCCW – serving up free hot dogs
  • Watersmeet Bible Church – providing fresh popcorn
  • Hope Lutheran Church – sharing special treats

We also invite residents to participate by bringing candy to hand out to the kids. Your generosity makes this community tradition even sweeter!

Enbridge Proposal to Conduct Maintenance Activities on Oil and Gas Pipeline

The U.S. Department of Agriculture/Forest Service is seeking input on a proposal from Enbridge to conduct maintenance activities on their oil and gas pipeline that will require access across the National Forest on the Bessemer, Iron River, and Watersmeet Ranger Districts  Because these maintenance activities are already allowed in accordance with Enbridge’s existing special use permit, the proposed action would result in a Forest Road special use authorization for access. This authorization will not exceed one year. Accordingly, no NEPA decision memo is required.

They are proposing to conduct eight maintenance digs at seven different locations on National Forest System lands. The permit will authorize access at five locations to access their permitted right-of-way during the fall of 2025, two of the locations the Forest Service doesn’t have jurisdiction.

Additional information on this project, as well as instructions for submitting comments to the USDA, are included in the attached letter.

USDA Enbridge Letter>

2025 WE Energies Cisco Lake Phase III Project on Old U.S. 2 West

The Ottawa National Forest is proposing the 2025 WE Energies Cisco Lake Phase III Project on the Watersmeet Ranger Districts, for which they are seeking input. The proposed action would result in the issue of special use authorization for energy providers to construct and maintain Distribution Power Lines to provide safe and reliable electricity to the public.

WE Energies is proposing to construct and maintain six wooden power poles and electrical powerlines along Old US2, west of Watersmeet to their project goals. This project proposes the removal of approximately 275 trees. The project area is not located within Lac Vieux Desert -L’Anse Trail Corridor or the Wild and Scenic River Corridors. The project area is about 1,320 feet in length by 20 feet wide for approximately 0.60 acres in total.

If you would like to submit comments on this project, please contact the USDA at the information provided in the attached letter.

USDA Letter>

Notice of Public Hearing – Zoning Ordinance Revisions

The Watersmeet Township Planning Commission will conduct a hearing on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 6:00PM in the Watersmeet Township Community Center, N4689 1st Street, Watersmeet, MI.

The purpose of the hearing is to allow public review and comment on proposed revisions to the Township Ordinance. Proposed Zoning changes are occurring to the following sections of the Ordinance: 1.04B, 302C, 5.01A, 5.01B, 6.01, 6.02B, 11.01, 11.02.

Proposed Language for Each Section>

Planning Commission to Review Zoning Ordinance ~ Updated 7/10/25

The Watersmeet Planning Commission has adopted the task to review the current Zoning Ordinance, page by page to make revisions to clarify the ordinance.  A draft document is being kept tracking all proposed changes and will be updated after each Planning Commission meeting.

When a sufficient number of edits are ready, a public hearing will be held for the edits.  The draft will then be forwarded to the Board of Trustees for request for approval and adoption.

The Planning Commission invites the public to comment on the proposed changes by attending a meeting, mailing a letter or emailing the Board liaison at trustee1@watersmeet.us.

Click Here for Draft Edits>

Coming Soon ~ Online Payment Option for Property Taxes & Utilities

Beginning with the Summer 2025 taxes there will be an on-line payment option available.

The township is working in conjunction with BSA, the company that provides the software that is used for tax collection purposes, to allow payments by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express) or by ACH (payment from back account) which has a lower rate.

We hope to have the system available by the beginning of August 2025.  Updates and additional information will be posted as it becomes available.

To use the on-line payment feature you will have to register with the BS&A online website, https://bsaonline.com, and create an account. The account you create doesn’t have a fee and allows you to view the assessing, property tax and utility billing information for any property that you are considered as the owner in our system.

You can choose to use the on-line payment feature if you choose but there will be an extra fee attached to use a credit card for payment comparable to what is currently done at restaurants and other businesses.

If you have questions, please contact the Watersmeet Treasurer at 906.358.4501 or treasurer@watersmeet.us

Treasurer Hours for Property Tax Collection: July – September 15, 2025

Treasurer Hours for Property Tax Collection

July – September 15, 2025

Typically: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Please call (906) 358-4501 to verify that I am available before you come in to pay as I am sometimes in meetings or otherwise unavailable.

Thank you

Paul Kemppainen
Watersmeet Township Treasurer

Updated Zoning Ordinance Available

During its Regular Meeting on May 21, 2025, the Watersmeet Township Board of Trustees finalized and approved language modifying the Watersmeet Township Zoning Ordinance. Specifically, Sections 1.02, 3.02B, 4.02B, and 7.09B.

The 30-day review period has ended, and the changes are final.  Copies of the ordinance are available the township office.

Click here to download Zoning Ordinance>

Extreme Heat Warning – Watersmeet Area on July 4th

⚠️ EXTREME HEAT WARNING – WATERSMEET AREA ⚠️
Record High Temperatures & High Humidity Expected – Friday, July 4th

Watersmeet Police and Fire would like to remind residents that the Watersmeet area is forecasted to experience dangerously high temperatures on Friday, July 4th, with record-breaking heat and excessive humidity pushing the heat index well above safe levels.

What to Expect:

  • Temperatures near 90 °F, with heat index higher due to humidity
  • Sticky overnight, with lows around 70 °F, limiting recovery
  • Humidity 65–70% increasing risk even during cloud cover

Public Safety Warning:

Extreme heat is a serious health risk. Please take the following precautions:

Stay Hydrated:

  • Drink plenty of water—don’t wait until you’re thirsty
  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks
  • Use electrolyte-replenishing beverages if working or active outdoors

‍♀️ Protect Vulnerable Populations:

  • Small children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses are at higher risk of heat-related illness
  • Never leave children, pets, or anyone in a parked vehicle—temperatures can rise to deadly levels in minutes

☠️ Know the Signs of Heat Stroke:

Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency. Call 911 immediately if you or someone else shows these symptoms:

  • Body temperature above 103°F
  • Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
  • Rapid, strong pulse
  • Headache, dizziness, confusion
  • Nausea or unconsciousness

Pet Safety Tips:

  • Ensure pets have plenty of fresh water and shade
  • Limit walks and exercise—hot pavement can burn their paws
  • Bring pets indoors during peak heat hours

Cooling Tips:

  • Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day (10 AM – 6 PM)
  • Use fans, AC, or visit public places with cooling (e.g., libraries, community centers)
  • Take cool showers or baths

Please check on neighbors, especially seniors or those living alone, and be mindful of outdoor workers.

Stay safe, stay cool, and take this heat seriously.