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CBS News
6 days ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Gov. Whitmer declares state of emergency several for Michigan communities after May 15 storms, tornadoes
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday declared a state of emergency for several communities following the severe storms and tornadoes on May 15. The declaration was issued for the city of Lansing, as well as Allegan and Baraga counties, where officials recorded 11 tornadoes, flash floods and storm damage. Under the state of emergency, state resources, such as financial assistance, will be available. The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, which is part of the Lake Superior Band of Chippewa Indians, is included in Baraga County's declaration, according to Whitmer's office. "These storms left a mark on Michigan especially in our capital city and in Allegan and Baraga counties," Whitmer said in a news release. "After major damage to infrastructure and essential services, we're stepping in to support local recovery efforts and help these communities get back on their feet. Michigan is no stranger to tough weather, and we always come back stronger." In Lansing, an EF-1 tornado caused severe damage to infrastructure and downed power lines and trees. State officials say debris blocked roadways, making it difficult for authorities and utility crews to respond. Two EF-1 tornadoes were recorded in Allegan County, reaching 95 mph and damaging 11 communities. State officials say recovery efforts remain two weeks after the storm. In Baraga County, four inches of rain resulted in flash flooding, impacting the Village of L'Anse Wastewater Treatment Plant. "We've been working with the affected communities since the storms first hit," said Captain Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. "Our priority is to ensure they have the support and resources needed. We'll continue to coordinate with local leaders, state agencies, and federal partners to help these communities navigate the recovery process." In May, Michigan recorded its 28th tornado this year. This year's number of tornadoes is the seventh highest reported in a year, one less than the 29 tornadoes confirmed in 1991. So far, 1974 holds the top spot with 39 confirmed tornadoes, followed by 2001 with 35 confirmed tornadoes, according to CBS News Detroit's NEXT Weather team.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Guide: All the ballot proposals planned for August in Ottawa, Allegan
HOLLAND — Zeeland residents will participate in a primary for councilmembers in August, but several other municipalities in the greater Holland area will have ballot proposals to consider. According to information shared on the Ottawa County and Allegan County elections websites, there will be 10 total proposals in the area for residents to peruse, although two are for school districts predominantly in other counties — operating renewals for Ravenna and Delton Kellogg. Of the eight hyper-local proposals, there will be three townships and two school districts with questions on the ballot, primarily in Allegan County. Voters in the HPS district, which spans portions of Ottawa and Allegan, will see a 30-year, $49.225 million bond on the ballot. If approved, the proposal wouldn't change the district's tax rate, as it results in a '0 mill net increase' over 2025, per the ballot language. HPS would use the funds for remodeling, furnishing and equipping school buildings, acquiring instructional technology and equipment, purchasing school buses, 'erecting school support buildings,' and 'erecting, developing and improving athletic fields and facilities, parking areas and sites.' Earlier this year, HPS conducted a survey to gauge support for a potential bond. Projects in the survey included infrastructure like technology, roofing, paving, HVAC and security; significant 'educational enhancements' at the current Jefferson Elementary to prepare for a transition into Holland Language Academy in 2028; and a new football and multi-use outdoor stadium. Fennville voters will see a 25-year, $22.35 million bond on the ballot after the FPS Board of Education approved language during a meeting April 21. If the plan is approved, the district's millage rate would actually drop by 0.5 mills, so residents would pay a lower tax rate. That's possible because previous debts have been paid off and are set to expire from the district's debt millage. By replacing those with a new bond, the district can fund improvements without increasing the tax rate. Projects in the bond include outdoor learning environments, flexible classroom furniture, upgraded fire alarms and communication systems and boilers throughout the district. Fennville Elementary will see a full HVAC replacement, roof replacement and window improvements. At Fennville Middle, the school will receive ADA-compliant restroom renovations, HVAC upgrades and cafeteria improvements. The high school will see a roof replacement, HVAC improvements, ADA-compliant restroom renovations and classroom enhancements. More: Election Guide: All the candidates, proposals on the ballot so far near Holland Laketown voters will see a pair of related proposals in August. One would decrease a previously approved millage by 0.5 mills, while the other will increase a previously approved millage by 0.5 mills. Laketown voters approved a renewal of a 2-mill tax to fund fire department operations, repair, construction, reconstruction and/or blacktopping of roads and non-motorized paths, and repair and maintenance of drains in 2024. The township also has a separate millage of 1 mill for operating funds, equipment, and apparatus acquisition for the Graafschap Fire Department. The first proposal for Laketown would reduce the millage for roads, paths and drains from 2 mills to 1.5 mills, and remove GFD from the millage altogether. The renewed millage would run 2026-28 and generate an estimated $984,700 in 2026. A second request would increase the GFD millage from 1 mill to 1.5 mills and renew the tax from 2025-29. If approved, the proposal would generate an estimated $937,750 in 2026, according to ballot language. If both proposals are approved, 0.5 mills would essentially shift from the roads, paths and drains millage to the GFD millage, and the fire department would no longer be included in the roads, paths and drains millage. In Lee Township, voters will be asked to renew and restore a millage for road construction, upgrades, maintenance and improvements. The previously approved 2-mill authorized tax has been decreased to 1.9103 mills due to rollbacks under the Headlee Amendment, which occur when growth on existing property values exceeds the rate of inflation. The ballot measure in August will seek to restore the millage to the previous 2 mills and renew it for three years, 2025-27. Support Local News: Receive unlimited digital access to your local news coverage Voters in Manlius Township will have a trio of renewals to vote on in August. All three proposals include a restoration of mills lost to Headlee rollbacks and a renewal for four years. The proposed renewals are 2 mills for road improvements, 1.75 mills for fire protection and 1.5 mills for road resurfacing. — Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@ This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Proposals for August include large bonds at HPS, FPS
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Man survives tree crashing into home during storms
DORR TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — A homeowner is lucky to be alive after a tree fell through his roof and crashed into his dining room as tornadoes tore through West Michigan Thursday night. Harvey Potter has lived on Swansea Street near Wayland for over 25 years. He and his late wife built the house from scratch. '25 years, you've got things the way you want them, you know?' he told News 8 Sunday. Thousands remain without power after storm, crews work on restoration As five tore through West Michigan Thursday evening, Potter was sitting in his dining room as the storms headed his way. He was following along with storm coverage. His home was at the tail end of a dissipating confirmed EF1 tornado, the , which was carrying dangerous winds. 'The power went off,' he recalled. 'So I run downstairs and within two minutes trees start falling. It was noisy, it was really loud.' As the storm struck, Potter estimates between 20 and 30 trees fell down outside. One of them crashed through his roof and into his dining room, where Potter was sitting just five minutes before. 'Another 50 feet over it would've taken out the whole house really,' he said. Potter considers himself lucky he made it to safety just in time. 'I just think the good Lord was looking out for me,' he said. 'Gave me the sense enough to get down to the basement before the tree fell.' Allegan County community reacts to state of emergency Left behind is a hole in his roof, three destroyed windows and insulation and drywall all over the place. Crews later took a 70-ton crane to pull the tree out of his home. His backyard remains covered in fallen trees. Many of his belongings from the kitchen and dining room are now packed up in boxes. Potter does have insurance. An adjustor is coming out Monday to assess the damage. 'That's one thing about insurance,' he said. 'You pay it every year and you wonder, 'Man, this is a lot.' But what I just had happen to me, you're awful happy you have insurance, you know?' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Allegan County community reacts to state of emergency
ALLEGAN COUNTY, Mich. (WOOD) — After severe storms and tornadoes tore through neighborhoods, downed trees and power lines and left homes damaged across several towns in Allegan County, the county has officially declared a local state of emergency. 'I'm excited about it,' said Amber Buskard, a Martin resident who spent the day clearing her yard of debris and trees. 'It shows that they actually care about their people,' Buskard said. 'I think it just speaks volumes to Allegan County… That state of emergency will really take off that burden for some people. It's gonna help us greatly.' Martin was among the hardest hit. Other affected areas within Allegan County include Dorr, Wayland, Hopkins, Allegan and parts of the lakeshore near Saugatuck and Douglas. Amber spent her Friday picking up branches and clearing her yard. She wasn't alone. 'When [the storm] was done, everyone came out and we all started cleaning up right after,' Martin said. 'Just to say it at night and then to see everyone clean it up almost immediately. It was really heartwarming… I just think it's amazing that even through tragedy how we come together.' That sense of unity has been echoed by county leaders, who say they've never seen anything quite like this. 'It was quite surprising to see the amount of downed trees, power lines debris, and overall loss of property and damage,' said Rob Sarro, Allegan County's administrator. 'Allegan County strives to be a safe, clean and healthy community to live, work and play. We're so grateful for the collaboration that people have and helping to get cleaned up in the area quickly and we just encourage everyone to again think safe, stay safe, and we'll get this cleaned up as soon as we can.' Emergency Management Coordinator Sarah Clark is now leading a damage assessment effort, partnering with Michigan State Police and trained volunteers to document the destruction. The information they get will help determine what kind of state or federal disaster assistance the county might qualify for. 'It's difficult to see people in pain,' said Clark. 'It's difficult to see them without knowing where to turn, as far as losing belongings, or losing their home or vehicles, so it's just really important to make sure that the community understands that we're there to support them.' As the cleanup continues, Clark and Sarro both ask for patience and caution. 'Recovery is a long-term process,' Clark said. 'So just managing those expectations and hoping people don't become frustrated with us as we try to navigate this situation.' If volunteers don't reach your home directly, residents can report damage online using the county's self-reporting tool. For ongoing updates, recovery information and safety tips, follow Allegan County Emergency Management on Facebook. Allegan County Emergency Management | Allegan MI | Facebook For housing needs, officials recommend calling the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS. Mental health support is available through OnPoint Counseling Services. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Allegan County declares state of emergency
ALLEGAN COUNTY, Mich. (WOOD) — After Thursday's storms across West Michigan caused widespread damage, Allegan County declared a state of emergency on Saturday. The county says that the hardest hit areas were Dorr, Marr, Wayland, Hopkins, Saugatuck and Douglas, near the lakeshore, and the city of Allegan. The county said that by declaring, officials can request more resources and aid from the state and 'surrounding jurisdictions.' Hours after declaring a state of emergency, the National Weather Service confirmed that two tornadoes touched down in Allegan County. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
