Drummond Island Township

10/11/2026

🏆Congratulations to Gwen Meredith, the winner of the Drummond Island Silent Sports kayak raffle!

🛶Gwen takes home a Perception Joyride 12’ kayak and a Carlisle Magic Plus paddle from Jay’s Sporting Goods, plus a gift certificate for paddling supplies from Woods & Waters. And it’s a beautiful day today to get out on the water, Gwen! ☀️

The drawing was held yesterday at Fall Fest. You can watch the live video here.

This raffle started with a group of volunteers who came together through the DNR recreation plan for 2025-2029. The group’s focus is helping people find and use the public water access points on Drummond Island, and one of its big projects is building a universally accessible kayak launch at the Drummond Island State Park boat launch, so people of all abilities can get out on the water.

The Drummond Island Tourism Association has been a big part of making this happen. They displayed the kayak all season, sold raffle tickets and stickers, and attended our planning sessions throughout the year. This fundraiser would not have been the same without them. Thank you.

Thank you to the incredible volunteers from Drummond Island Silent Sports for their time and hard work, to Jay’s Sporting Goods and Woods & Waters for donating the prizes, and to the island businesses that sold raffle tickets: Drummond Island Yacht Haven, Drummond Island Outfitters, and DeTour Drummond Community Credit Union. And thank you to everyone who bought a ticket or donated to the cause.

This will be a multi-year fundraiser, and there’s room for more help. The kayak launch project is part of Drummond Island Silent Sports, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and donations are being accepted at DeTour Drummond Community Credit Union with “KAYAK” in the memo line.

If you’d like to get involved in the volunteer efforts, reach out to Drummond Island Silent Sports or join the next meeting on Tuesday, October 20 at 5:30 PM at the Northwood.

Raffle License R86954

10/10/2026

Today is your last chance to win a brand new kayak, and every ticket helps build something the whole island can use.

Drummond Island Silent Sports and the DNR Recreation Plan Water Access Group is raffling off a Perception Joyride 12’ kayak and a Carlisle Magic Plus paddle from Jay’s Sporting Goods, plus a gift certificate for paddling supplies from Woods & Waters. That’s $1,260 in prizes.

Money raised is going toward a universally accessible kayak launch at the Drummond Island State Park boat launch, so people of all abilities can get out on the water.

Stop by Fall Fest today between noon and 2 PM to get your tickets. They’re $5 each, and the drawing is at 2 PM. You don’t need to be present to win.

Raffle License R86954

10/09/2026

So many great activities. Thank you to all of the volunteers!

Saturday at the 18th Annual Fall on the Island Festival runs 8 AM to midnight, but the main action at the fairgrounds is 11 AM to 5 PM — plan accordingly.

The morning kicks off with the Drummond Island Lions Club Pancake Breakfast at the Township Hall at 8 AM. Then from 11 AM to 5 PM, the fairgrounds open up with the Artisan Fair, Demonstration Vendors — including live Wooden American Flag Making and Wool Spinning — and the Taste of Drummond Island food vendors.

Also running noon to 5 at the fairgrounds: Lily's Microbrew Tasting and the Red White & Brew Pub.

Kids' activities throughout the afternoon include Duck Pond, Face Painting, Bouncy House, Pumpkin Painting and Sale, a Scavenger Hunt, and juggling with CM Entertainment.

At 2 PM, two drawings take place — the Kayak Raffle from Drummond Island Silent Sports and the Drummond Island Burger Week giveaway, closing out the island's first ever Burger Week. One winner walks away with $100 in gift certificates — a $25 gift certificate from each of the four participating Burger Week restaurants.

Stein Hoisting is at 3 PM, and the Best Dressed 1776 Contest is at 4 — come in your best patriotic attire.

Live music runs all day with ShipHeads on Shore: SoS, Almost Elvis, The Morton Brothers, and DJ Ron Fray carrying it through to midnight. Co****le tournaments and Hair Braiding round out the afternoon before the evening takes over.

A couple of things to keep in mind: the weather on the island in October can turn fast, so bring warm layers. And if you can bring cash, the vendors will thank you — it keeps lines moving and makes transactions a lot easier for everyone.

October 10th. Drummond Island Township and Festival Grounds/Ballfield.

10/09/2026

Bring the kids and grandkids out for a Halloween afternoon on the island! The Haunted Halloween Trail Hay Ride is Saturday, October 17, from 2 to 7 PM at the Drummond Island Township Park Campground. It’s free, and everyone is welcome. You don’t need a campsite reservation to join the fun.

The hay ride runs through the back loop of the campground. The early rides are not too scary for the little ones. Closer to dark, starting around 5:30, the trail gets spookier for the older kids.

Around the park, there will be games for all ages, pumpkin carving, a fire with c***r and hot dogs, and hot chocolate and fresh donuts.

If you’re camping, go all out with your spookiest decorations for a chance to win the best decorated campsite prize. To enter, reserve a site at http://www.drummondislandtownship.org/campground.

Volunteers are wanted to help run stations and play parts on the trail. If you’d like to help or have questions, contact Amanda Fairchild, Margo Matkovich, or Deb Larson.

We hope to see your family there!

10/08/2026

Want a voice in how decisions are made for Drummond Island? The Township Board has an open Trustee seat.

First, thank you to Trustee Kevin Kruzel, who is stepping down from the Township Board. Kevin helped move the golf course forward, served as the Township’s liaison to the Golf Advisory group, and was a member of the Township Hall committee. We are grateful for the time and care he has given Drummond Island, and we wish him well.

Drummond Island Township is now looking for a resident to fill the Trustee seat starting November 1, 2026. Trustees are voting members of the five-member Township Board. They attend monthly Board meetings, vote on budgets, policies and ordinances, listen to resident concerns, and serve on committees.

To be eligible, you must be a registered voter living in Drummond Island Township. The person appointed will serve the rest of the current term, which ends in November 2028.

To apply, send a short letter of interest about your background and why you’d like to serve. You can drop it off at the Township Office or email [email protected]. The Board will make its appointment by December 15, so sending yours early is a good idea.

Questions? Contact Township Supervisor Krystal Truax.

10/07/2026

Get in a round of golf before the season ends! 🍂

10/05/2026

Thank you, Ben Richwine for 29 years of service on our fire department.

Ben Richwine has spent 29 years showing up for Drummond Island. Tomorrow night is our chance to show up for him.

After nearly three decades with Drummond Island Fire & Rescue, including about four years as Fire Chief, Ben is stepping down from the department. The Township Board will act on his resignation at its meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, October 6 at 6:30 PM at Frank J. Sasso Hall, 29935 E. Pine St. Our new Fire Chief will also be announced at that meeting.

Ben got a lot done as Chief. He upgraded our equipment, brought the department up to code, and modernized our accounting so the department is on solid footing for whoever comes next. Just as important is how he did it. Ben led with integrity and humility, and he was always the first to point to his crew and give them the credit instead of taking it himself. Anyone who has worked alongside him knows that's just who he is.

Ben, thank you for 29 years of service to this island, to your neighbors, and to everyone who has served with you. We're proud to have had you as our Chief.

If Ben has helped you, your family, or your property over the years, please come to the meeting tomorrow night and tell him so. We'd love to see a full room.

10/03/2026

Opportunity to become an EMT! Attend the pre-course meeting coming up soon!

10/01/2026

Special Announcement: Next Tuesday’s Township Board meeting is a good time to thank Ben Richwine. After 29 years with Drummond Island Fire & Rescue, including about four years as Fire Chief, Ben is stepping down from the department.

The meeting is Tuesday, October 6 at 6:30 PM at Frank J. Sasso Hall, 29935 E. Pine St. The Board will act on his resignation and on appointing a new Fire Chief. If Ben has helped you, your family, or your property over the years, please feel free to use this opportunity to thank him.

Here’s what else is on the agenda:
The Board will vote on a new Departmental Reserve Policy for the Fire Department, Parks, and Golf Course. It would let departments that spend less than budgeted set that money aside for future equipment and capital needs, without having their next budget cut because of it.

Sealed bids for the 2026-2027 propane supply contract will be opened at the meeting, and the Board will vote to accept one.

The Board will also discuss reallocating Sault Tribe 2% money, and how to fill the trustee seat Kevin Kruzel is leaving effective November 1.

You’ll also hear reports from Board members, department heads, committees, and outside agencies, and there will be time for public comment.

One more thing: ever wonder how your vote is counted? Tonight, Thursday, October 1, the Township is hosting Up North Advocacy for Election Education for Everyday People at 6:30 PM at Frank J. Sasso Hall. It’s a nonpartisan discussion about how Michigan elections work, including voter registration, ballot counting, and the steps used to verify results. It’s open to the public, everyone is welcome, and there will be time for questions.