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.

Board of Trustees Seeking Candidates to Fill ZBA & BOR Vacancies

The Watersmeet Township Board of Trustees is currently seeking interested residents to fill vacancies on the Zoning Board of Appeals and as an Alternate Member to the Board of Review.

The Zoning Board of Appeals (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 attend scheduled training sessions and Board of Review meetings 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 by April 1, 2026.

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

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

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.

 

BS&A Online Lookup for Property & Utility Account Holders

You can now access the following information online through the BS&A online portal:  Assessing, Tax, Delinquent Personal Property Tax and Utility Billing

You should register first, which will allow easy access in the future on the bottom left-hand side of the webpage.
The service is automatically set up to search all records and using the address of the property(s) the individual owns. When searching by address don’t use the E or N, only the physical address number. You can press the down arrow by address to change to owner name if you want to search that way.

This service allows you to view records associated with your parcel(s) or account(s) but is FREE only for those for which you are listed as the owner or account holder.

If you wish to look at another property or utility account, there is a $6.00 fee for each searched item.

Access is available for all information on a read-only basis. You will be able to view relevant information but can’t make any changes.

If you have any questions concerning this service please contact the Treasurer’s Office, (906) 358-4501 Ext 111 or treasurer@watersmeet.us.

Paul D Kemppainen
Watersmeet Township Treasurer

Notice: Freon Appliance Disposal Requirement

Effective immediately, the Watersmeet Transfer Station requires a certificate sticker on any appliance containing Freon (such as refrigerators, freezers, or air conditioners) before it can be accepted at no charge.

Appliances without a certificate sticker will still be accepted, but a $30 disposal fee will apply.

Only EPA-certified technicians can legally remove Freon and provide the certificate sticker. These technicians are typically employed by HVAC contractors, appliance repair companies, and licensed recycling centers. Residents should contact one of these providers before bringing an appliance to the Transfer Station to avoid the disposal fee.

Watersmeet Senior Meals Program

Print Friendly Brochure & More Information>

Beginning June 17th, Watersmeet Township, in cooperation with the Gogebic-Ontonagon Community Action Agency and the Watersmeet Food Pantry, will be serving senior citizens age 60 and over. This Meal Program is designed to assist seniors in meeting their nutritional needs by providing delicious, nutritious meals that taste great!  The suggested donation per meal is $5.00, but no one is ever denied service due to their inability to donate. Without donations, GOCAA would not be able to serve every senior in need of Meals.

How Do I Get My Senior Meals?
Pick up your frozen meals at the Watersmeet Food Pantry on the 3rd Tuesday of every month between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. You will need to fill out a registration form asking for your name, address and date of birth before picking up your meals. GOCAA will issue donation requests directly to meal recipients.

There are a limited number of meals available each month and meals will be distributed on a first-come,
first-served basis.

Any questions? Call the Township office at 906-358-4501.

Learn more
The Gogebic-Ontonagon Community Action Agency provides many services to Watersmeet Seniors. For more information visit www.gocaa.org.

Updated Information ~ Highspeed Internet Coming to Southeast Watersmeet this Summer!

Updated Information…

Please note that once you place your address in the Michigan Broadband system you may receive an email that states:

Thank you for your interest in our services at _____address_____ in Watersmeet!

While we do not have plans to provide services to your area at this time, you’ll be one of the first to know if we develop plans to expand into your area in the future.

Registration ID:

Thank you again for your interest,

These emails are issued until the actual fiber is laid to your road. Michigan Broadband expects the fiber to be laid in the southern portion of the Township this summer.


High Speed Internet Coming to Southeast Watersmeet this summer!!!

Highspeed internet is crucial to all of us.  Last year Highline began the process and connected many of us to fiber optic internet.  The results are amazing!
But not everyone was eligible for Highline.  Some parts of our Township were left out because of the FCC process.
After many years of working to bring highspeed internet to everyone in the Township, we are happy to report that more folks will be getting the opportunity to get highspeed internet this summer!!!
Michigan Broadband announced last week that they will begin laying fiber optic internet to the properties in the southeastern portion of Watersmeet Township (Duck Lake, Dinner Lake, Moon Lake, Crystal Lake, Birch Lake, Lac Vieux Desert (Michigan side) this summer!!!  The highlighted area on the attached map shows where Michigan Broadband will be laying the fiber optic cable.  If you have not yet signed up – please go to www.michbbs.com for more information and to register. See Flyer
If you were not covered by Highline or the attached map – please register at www.michbbs.com.  Michigan Broadband is committed to fulfilling all the gaps in highspeed internet coverage in Watersmeet.
Please spread the word to your friends and neighbors!
Please let Supervisor Yvonne Clark or Trustee John Oliver know if you have any questions.
Thanks for your help!
Watersmeet Broadband Task Force
Yvonne Clark, Trustee
John Oliver, Trustee
Greg Clark