To view or leave comments on this story, click HERE.
Editor’s Note: Peninsula Township Supervisor Maura Sanders reports on happenings in the community, including updates on the WOMP lawsuit, the fire station land offer, the East Bay boat launch, the lighthouse wine label competition and more. Big thanks to Maura for these weekly updates. Read on for this week’s note. (At yesterday’s Retinal appointment, Dr. Fiander said I no longer have to be face-down all the live long day and night – woohoo! The gas bubble will take a few weeks to dissolve, so I’m still operating with one eye. Let’s see how I do posting Maura’s note below. -jb)
Old Mission Gazette is Reader Supported.
Click Here to Donate and Keep the Gazette Going.
April 11, 2026
Welcome back to all of the spring breakers and to all of the snowbirds that are making their way home! I was able to spend some time in Shelby County, KY with my in-laws for a change of scenery and 75-degree weather.
Non-Motorized Transportation Planning. Mark your calendars, you’re invited! A Community Engagement Event is scheduled for April 28, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., at Old Mission Peninsula School (2699 Island View Road).
The Township Board (TB) met twice on March 24th. The 1:30 p.m. Special Meeting included closed session motions regarding a PDR violation in connection with Peninsula Township vs. David Hague and Hague Acres LLC (case no: 25-37783-cz), and to consider the purchase or lease of real property (for a future Fire Station #1). The TB will not be moving forward with the acquisition and/or purchase of private property at this time.
WOMP Update (view court filings here): There are some recent procedural updates regarding the Motion for Preliminary Injunction OV the Farm, LLC, et al.; view the court documents for April 2 and 3, 2026 here.
The TB has not been able to reconvene the settlement sub-committee with WOMP. The most recent communications informed the township that the Wineries and the trade organization “WOMP” do not have consensus or any agreement to settle independently or in their entirety.
The TB remains committed to find solutions that are thoughtful and beneficial for all residents, farmers and winery owners. This has stalled the progress and potential recommendations on behalf of the Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC) to the Planning Commission (PC) for changes to Amendment 201 for all agriculturally zoned property.
Updates from Down the Hall
The Planner, Supervisor and our Township legal counsel participated in a call on Thursday, April 9, with state and local DNR representatives and Nate Gambill, Assistant Attorney General for Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture Division, regarding the DNR East Bay Boating Access Site.
A historical letter from the DNR dated November 1, 1976, addressed to the Chairwoman of the Peninsula Township Planning Commission regarding the boat launch and capacity concerns can be viewed here. The Township position is that any additional changes to the location would need to go through the proper Special Use Permit process. The Township reinforced that we are 100% supportive of re-paving and re-striping the parking lot as it is, as well as replacing the old vault toilets to meet modern DNR standards.
Looking Ahead to Next Week – and Beyond
The TB will meet on Tuesday, April 14th, at 5:30 p.m. to enter into closed session to discuss litigation defense coverage and strategy with legal counsel. Following that meeting, the TB will meet at 7 p.m. to hold our scheduled Public Hearing regarding Shoreline Amendment #206. The Planner’s overview and the Draft Shoreline Amendment #206 can be found in the meeting packet.
If you cannot attend the Public Hearing in person and would like to submit correspondence, please have it to the Clerk’s office no later than 9 a.m. on Monday morning. A Note About Correspondence from the Public at Large: Correspondence to be included in a packet or packet addition is limited to three pages. The font should be no smaller than size 12 so that it can easily be read. Please email to [email protected].
The Mission Point Lighthouse wine label art judging competition was last night at the Left Foot Charley Barrel Room. Three finalists were selected and on display. Congratulations to the winner – our very own resident, Carol Lewin, and her “A Summers Day” submission. Congratulations to the Mission Point Lighthouse Keepers Associate (MPLKA) on their successful fundraiser.
(Funds will go towards reconstructing the historic boathouse that used to be located on the beach in front of the lighthouse. Bottles with the new wine label will be available this summer at Left Foot Charley. Look closely and you’ll see a little map of the lighthouse’s location in the upper left of Carol’s artwork – so cool! -jb)
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 wonderful 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.
Also Read…
To view or leave comments on this story, click HERE.
