Powell Township 2024 Newsletter
Check out our website, www.powelltownship.org, or the bulletin boards for any changes in meeting dates and times, as well as virtual meeting options. The Township Board, Committees, and Commissions have regular meetings and we want to encourage all our residents to attend meetings.
FIRE DEPARTMENT is looking for volunteers. Please contact the fire chief/coordinator for more information and events.
Follow on Facebook: Big Bay Information, Big Bay Pathway, Fire Department, Powell Emergency Management for more information and events.
FIRE ON THE BAY 2023
The Powell Township’s Parks and Recreation Committee announces the 30th ANNUAL FIRE ON THE BAY will be held on July 8 2023. Rain date is set for July 15 2023. The fireworks display will begin at dusk and lasts approximately half an hour. Fireworks are traditionally fired from the north side of Big Bay Harbor on Lake Superior. Spectator areas will be on the public beach and the harbor area.
We have had great support from the community in raising funds for the fireworks. Unfortunately, costs are rising every year and we would greatly appreciate donations. Donations may be made all year round. Please mail or drop off donations to the Powell Township Treasurer, PO BOX 38, Big Bay, MI 49808 and include in the memo “Fire on the Bay.”
CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS
Powell Township Treasurer’s office is accepting credit/debit cards for tax payments. Please be aware there is a 3.5% service fee. Follow the link on powelltownship.org home page for more information or to make a payment.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Powell Township Food Bank
Powell Township Food Bank is available at Dionne Fire Hall at Halfway. Hours are 5pm – 7pm, every other Tuesday for anyone in need of food. Call JoAnn Fortin 906-360-4286 for dates.
The food bank was created by Powell Township Emergency Management Department and includes non‑perishable food, paper goods, and cleaning supplies. These items are available free to anyone in need. No documents needed. No questions asked. Donations are accepted. Any cash donations must be made to the Powell Township Treasurer. If you have questions, contact Kim Bourgeois (906) 362-7275. If you are unable to get to Dionne Fire Hall for items, arrangements can be made for delivery within the township.
Meals on Wheels
A hot meal is delivered to seniors who are homebound and are unable to prepare nutritious meals for themselves. The suggested per meal donation is $3.50 for each congregate or home delivered meal, but no one is ever denied service due to inability to donate. Family members are also encouraged to donate on behalf of their loved ones. Since federal and state funding does not cover the full cost to operate the Senor Meal Programs, the generosity of program participants and their families is crucial. Without these donations, CAAM would not be able to serve every senior in need. In addition to providing healthy and well‑balanced meals, the meal deliverers also provide an important service by checking on the homebound seniors when they deliver the meals.
For local information, call Kim Bourgeois, Powell Township Emergency Manager, 906-362-7275, or Gene Champagne, Meals on Wheels Driver, 906-250-2140.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE
MEETINGS: Parks and Recreation Committee meetings are the 2nd Tuesday of the month beginning at 6:30pm. We welcome all community members to attend as members of the public. Our meeting minutes for previous months (and year) are posted on the township website (powelltownship.org; Meeting Dates/Times with Minutes).
SUMMER CONCERTS: We were able to hold 4 concerts this past summer in Draver Park. There will be four concerts held in Drave Park next summer. Check the Township website for dates.
FIRE ON THE BAY: July 8, 2023
GRANTS: MDARD grant was awarded to developing additional trails on the 510 property, Eagle Mine generously made the match. DNR Trust Fund grant for Burns Landing should be completed this summer of 2023. Others are being explored for development of a Historical Trail from Burns Landing to Thomas Rock and upgrading Draver Park.
TRANSFER STATION
Hours of operation: Tuesdays 3pm-6pm and Saturdays 8am-noon. Large household items are accepted with an additional cost. Contact the township office for details or the transfer attendant. Cash or check accepted. The attendant does not make change. Transfer station building and equipment will need upgrades and repairs in 2023.
Recycling benefits the environment and the township budget. We would like to acknowledge and thank those residents that are participating in our recycling program. The township’s cost for garbage disposal at the Marquette County transfer station is $63.50 per ton plus a hauling fee of $488.47 for 40 yards. The township only pays the hauling fee for recyclable items. The township had 8 tons of recyclables in 2020 (saving $508), 37 tons in 2021 (saving $2,349.50) and 39.25 tons in 2022 (saving $2,492.37). The more residents recycle, the larger the amount of savings to the township, allowing for lower tax assessments for sanitation and disposal.
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