Posts by Kirsten

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>

The Watersmeet Township Board of Trustees is currently seeking interested residents to fill vacancies for alternate members on the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Board of Review.

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) serves as a substitute member when regular ZBA members are unavailable.  The ZBA hears and decides appeals related to zoning ordinances, variance requests, and interpretations of the Township’s zoning regulations. Members are expected to attend scheduled meetings, review applications and supporting materials, and make fair, impartial decisions based on established ordinances and state law.

The Board of Review Alternate serves as a substitute member when regular Board of Review members are unavailable. The Board of Review meets to hear property tax assessment appeals and ensure assessments are fair and equitable. The Alternate must be available to serve during scheduled Board of Review sessions as needed.

Interested individuals must be residents of Watersmeet Township and have an interest in local government and community service. Prior experience is helpful but not required.

Those interested in being considered for appointment should submit a letter or email of interest.

Mail To:
Watersmeet Township
Attn: Town Clerk
PO Box 306
Watersmeet, MI 49969

Or Email To:
supervisor@watersmeet.us
townclerk@watersmeet.us

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 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.

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.