Supervisor’s Weekly Note: A New Fire Truck, an Ice Hockey Rink, Lighthouse Job Opp and More

Editor’s Note: Peninsula Township Supervisor Maura Sanders updates us on a new fire truck, a lawsuit involving an ice hockey rink, a job opp at Mission Point Lighthouse and more. Big thanks to Maura for these weekly updates that keep us tuned into what’s happening at the Township offices. Read on for this week’s note. -jb

January 9, 2026

Happy New Year, Neighbors! I hope everyone was able to rest and relax a little bit over the holidays! 

I wanted to start the new year off by thanking Jane Boursaw, founder and editor of the Old Mission Gazette. She keeps the community informed, and I certainly appreciate being able to deliver my weekly community updates via OMG. I believe the community has benefited by getting direct and transparent township government information on a weekly basis. (Thank you, Maura. We all appreciate your weekly updates from the Township offices. -jb)

The Planning Commission (PC) met this week. They commenced the Zoning Ordinance Rewrite Discussions regarding: Amendment 201 Acreage, Signage Draft Ordinance and the Shoreline Draft Ordinance. The Shoreline Draft Ordinance will have an independent special meeting on January 14th at 4 p.m. in the Township Hall. This meeting is to finalize the draft and schedule a public hearing at the PC prior to a recommendation to the Town Board for review. Watch this week’s Planning Commission meeting via our YouTube channel.

The Township Board (TB) held a special meeting on Tuesday to enter into closed session in connection with Peninsula Twp v David Hague and Hague Acres, LLC, Case No. 25-37783-CZ. This case was filed to pursue enforcement of an easement obtained through the Township’s Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program. The Township’s complaint alleges that an ice hockey rink and supporting mechanical equipment that is operated within a newly constructed agricultural building is in violation of the easement and the Township’s zoning ordinance.

The Peninsula Township Fire Department has taken possession of our new fire engine! Chief Gilstorff and Lt. Adams brought her by the township this afternoon after finishing the final leg of her journey from Grayling. Chief is excited and appreciative of this addition that will help us better protect our residents and visitors.

Mission Point Lighthouse Job Opportunity. Lighthouse Manager Ginger Schultz is accepting letters of interest/resumes for a part-time, year-round lighthouse assistant. This administrative and retail position is 12 hours maximum per week. Hours are somewhat flexible, but some evening, weekend, and holiday work is required, as is availability during the busy season from April–October. Starting pay is $17/hour with pay commensurate with qualifications and experience. Duties include scheduling local volunteers on the keeper’s day off, assisting the manager on Tuesdays (keeper switch day), training volunteers for retail duties in the gift shop, light cleaning, and assisting with community events. Note: applicants must be able to climb 37 steps several times a day. Please contact Ginger at [email protected] to apply or ask any questions.

Updates From Down the Hall

Treasurer’s Update: Winter tax bills have been sent out. They are payable without penalty through February 17, 2026. If you haven’t received your bill, please call the treasurer’s office (231) 223-4484. **If you are not able to come in person or mail it in, you may put your payments in the gray pedestal drop box outside the front door or use the PAY TAX BILLS tab on the Township website homepage.

Looking Ahead to Next Week – and Beyond

The Town Board meeting on Tuesday, January 13th, is CANCELLED. We will hold our 2nd regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, January 27th, at 3 p.m. 

The Parks Committee will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, January 14th, at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall. They have a packed agenda, including: Friends of the Peninsula Parks subcommittee discussion, donation boxes discussion, and Parks signage updates. View the meeting packet here.

The Town Board WOMP Settlement subcommittee will be meeting with WOMP representatives on Wednesday, January 14th. We will keep everyone updated as appropriate.   

Peninsula Community Library: Peninsula Township Fire Department will conduct free “Stop the Bleed” training on how to respond to bleeding emergencies on January 14, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. Register by emailing [email protected]. Check out the full library calendar here.

Old Mission Peninsula School: Open Enrollment Period for the 2026/27 school year begins on February 2, 2026, and closes on February 27, 2026. If a lottery is needed for any given grade, the lottery will occur in early March 2026. Please note that applications for new students continue to be accepted after the February 27, 2026 period, and these students are either accepted into a class that has available space or wait-listed in the order of receipt if a class is full.

Please keep an eye on all upcoming meetings via the Township website and our live streamed meetings (saved for 30 days) on our YouTube Channel.

Have a great multi-seasonal weekend. 🌧️☃️

Maura Sanders, Peninsula Township Supervisor
Phone: (231) 223-7323
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: Mondays 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Tuesdays – Thursdays 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Friday – Sunday and Holidays. If TCAPS is closed due to weather, Peninsula Township offices are closed at least until 10 a.m. Please check the website homepage for any updates.

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