As I begin this message, I would like to ask everyone to take a few moments to remember all of the men and women serving in our armed forces around the world. May they know how sincerely grateful we are to them and may that gratitude surround them, and keep them safe until they return from service to our country. It is because of their service, we are blessed to enjoy the comforts and democracy of not only these United States, but the luxury of such a fine community as we have here in Presque Isle Township.

Looking back on 2011. It's amazing how quickly the year has passed by! We were fortunate to have a spectacular summer weather-wise which transformed into a splendid autumn. And with the Lighthouse Festival leaving us with fond memories and many "new friends", we now look toward our Old Fashioned Christmas festivities and the community that brings with it.

We will beginning a new year soon, filled with fresh opportunities and challenges, yet it is an excellent time to reflect upon the accomplishments and progress our community has made in 2011. Continuing the energy and momentum of 2010, this year has proved to be a busy year in Presque Isle Township; hopefully this newsletter will give you a brief glance into some of those highlights.

Several projects are underway that could boost the local economy. The most notable one is the Rayburn Road repaving project. Though it was financed through County funds to improve road conditions for larger vehicles traveling to and from Lafarge-Stoneport, the completion of that road enhances another aspect of our Township's features. The US 23/Rayburn Road intersection has been developed into an intriguing and welcoming junction, which encourages interested tourists and sightseers a different route to access our community and Lighthouse Parks.

Security: You will be happy to know that our township buildings are now under the watchful eye of Stanley Alarm Systems for both fire and intrusion.  It had been a concern of many of our residents that our Lighthouse Parks as well as our Township Hall were only protected by a simple key that could be reproduced and distributed to unauthorized people. The Township Board approved not only the Alarm System, but the re-keying of all township doors to a non-reproducible key system. 

Township Webpage: You may have noticed that our website, www.presqueisletwp.org now dons a new look. It was recently updated in an attempt to provide you with new and more information about our Township. Please be patient as some of the site is still "under construction" but will be online soon.   Many thanks go out to Clif Taylor who faithfully managed our original webpage since its inception a few years ago. His tireless efforts were fundamental in keeping our township government connected electronically to our residents and those interested in our community. Clif helped lay the groundwork for what we have now on our webpage, and we are grateful for those efforts.

As you click through the tabs on our website you will find some features that include information about our township government, our recycle program as well as information regarding the culture and history of our unique community.

Plans to compile a complete list of business within the Township are underway. If your business is not listed or a correction needs to be made to the list, please email us at office@presqueisletwp.org with your information. We will be happy to include you.

In our continued efforts to improve our website, we will be adding information to fit the needs of our township and its residents.

Range Light Park: This year the construction of a portable bathroom structure was completed in time for the summer season. This facility will benefit not only those spending time at the beach, but also those walking or riding along the Bike Path.

Plans for developing this park are on the drawing board and ready for development in 2012. This project is supported by grants and will include a handicap accessible pathway to Lake Huron and a pavilion. These improvements are being made so everyone will have the opportunity of not only being able to enjoy the majesty of Presque Isle Harbor, but be allowed the opportunity to witness a stunning view of our Fourth of July Fireworks display from the sandy shores of this park.

DNR Launch Sites: Through cooperation with the DNR, the Presque Isle County Road Commission and our township, the Mar-Ral Launch site on the northwest side of Long Lake has been stream-lined to accommodate traffic on Long Lake Road and parking at the site, at no cost to our Township. Grants for the Grand Lake Road launch site in the southeast portion of Grand Lake are moving along and hopefully our next newsletter will reflect progress toward those efforts.

A Resource Library is being developed at the Township Hall with information regarding our Township government for citizens to use.  It is our hope to make township government as accessible to you as possible, and by lending itself to a more "user friendly" approach via the collection or "resource library", citizens will have the opportunity to learn more about the inner workings of township government, the roles and responsibilities of its officials and some of the reasons why "we" do what we do.

 A collection of binders are being complied with articles, documents, maps, and even photographs relating to our township. We are not only archiving documents regarding laws that govern our township government, but personalizing it to Presque Isle Township itself by gathering anything and everything that chronicles the development and rich history that lends its character and culture to our community.  If you have any "literature" that you would like to donate to this "library", it would be highly appreciated. Please contact me or our Township Clerk if you have questions, would like more information or would like to contribute to it.

Lighthouse Parks:

·         Agreement with Museum Society to manage Lighthouse Gift Shops and Lighthouse Climbs