News

The Gogebic County Road Commission announces that effective at 6:00 a.m. (CST) on Monday, May 11, 2026 Spring Weight Restrictions will be lifted on all roads.

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Northwest Cleansweep Hazardous Waste Collection
Sponsored by the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

• Thursday, May 21, 2026
• 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m
• Building Trades Building
• E23969 Transfer Station Road
• Questions? Contact Beth Schrader at 906.287.1336

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>

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.