CHAMPION TWP, Mich. (WZMQ) – Champion Township residents gathered to celebrate a big step forward this week. After years without a central meeting space, the community now has a brand-new township hall.
It was a proud day in Champion Township as residents, leaders and the Lake Superior Community Partnership officially opened the new Champion Township hall with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
“We really haven’t had a town center, a town building, where we could congregate as a community. We’ve been using other area facilities, like for our senior meal that we have. We’ve been using our Redeemer Lutheran Church, which is actually in Michigamme Township,” said Township Supervisor Mike Simula.
The previous township building was small, outdated, and no longer fit for use. Instead of pouring money into repairs, officials repurposed a township-owned structure. Once a DNR field office and then home to the Champion Lions Club.
“Our old building was run down old and old and musty. This is so much nicer. It’s a much better building. The town will be able to use it for much more things than just our offices and our township meetings,” said Champion Twp Clerk, Tanya Gatewood.
The new hall means more than just office space. It’s a long awaited community hub. From town meetings to senior meals, it will finally give residents a place to come together.
“One of the biggest factors was that our old building wasn’t big enough for what we needed, and this was already a township owned building, So we, we said this would be a better option if we’re going to put money into a building this was a better option,” explained Simula.
