Michigan made product aims to keep students safe in the classroom
Seen in the video player above is a Nightlock, which is a security tool, and it makes a door almost impossible to open. They are made here in Michigan in Mount Morris, just 30 miles from Oxford High School, where tragedy struck back in November.
Crews to lower spillway connected to failed Michigan dam
In this Wednesday, May 20, 2020, photo, people survey the flood damage to the Curtis Road Bridge in Edenville, Mich., over the Tittabawassee River. (Neil Blake/The Grand Rapids Press via AP)EDENVILLE, Mich. โ Crews will begin lowering a spillway connected to a dam that failed last year and contributed to massive flooding in parts of mid-Michigan. The Edenville Dam Tobacco River spillway will be lowered by more than 20 feet (6 meters) starting Feb. 24 to help prevent future flooding, according to Michiganโs Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. More than 11,000 people in the Midland area had to be evacuated last May after heavy rains stressed the Edenville Dam, about 140 miles (225 kilometers) north of Detroit, and the Sanford Dam, about 7 miles (11 kilometers) downriver. The nearly century-old Edenville Dam had been the target of lengthy investigations by federal regulators.
Michigan National Guard deploys additional troops to assist state with COVID-19 response
LANSING, Mich. โ The Michigan National Guard (MING) is expanding its COVID-19 response force for vaccination and testing efforts across the state. Almost 300 additional guard members are being deployed to support this mission. The surge of Soldiers and Airmen will be assigned directly to specific regions of the state including northern Michigan, mid-Michigan, western Michigan and southeast Michigan. As of Jan. 23, 2021 the Michigan National Guard has administered almost 32,000 vaccines to Michiganders. โFrom the city of Detroit to the far reaches of the Upper Peninsula, the Michigan National Guard will continue to assist our communities in this very important mission.โCoronavirus in Michigan
Truck crashes into Michigan house, killing woman asleep on couch; Driver fled
One person dead after truck crashes into house in Saginaw. SAGINAW, Mich. โ A pickup truck crashed into a Saginaw home early Thursday, killing a woman sleeping inside on a couch, police said. She apparently had been sleeping on her couch when the truck crashed into her home, Gerow said. The driver of the truck fled the scene on foot before officers arrived, The Saginaw News reported. The crash severed a natural gas line, prompting Consumers Energy personnel to respond to the scene, Gerow said.
10 most-read ClickOnDetroit stories of 2020 that werenโt COVID related
Between a global pandemic, social unrest, a major U.S. election -- and everything else happening in the world -- the news did not stop in 2020. Weโre taking a look at the most-read local stories on ClickOnDetroit this year, minus COVID-19 related coverage (because pretty much every most-read story was COVID related). Art Van closes all storesFrom March: The Warren-based furniture chain Art Van Furniture announced it would close all stores. Art Van was founded by Art Van Elslander in 1959. Flight to Michigan makes emergency landing after bloody fightFrom May: A Macomb County woman said she was in shock when a fight broke out as she was flying back home.
Michigan man charged in killing, mutilation is fit for trial
CORUNNA, Mich. โ A Michigan man charged with killing and mutilating a man he met through the dating app Grindr has been deemed mentally fit to stand trial, a judge ruled Monday. Shiawassee County District Judge Ward Clarkson ruled Mark Latunski was fit, said Doug Corwin, Latunskiโs public defender. Previous: Police release disturbing details in murder, mutilation of Michigan manHe was charged with murder and mutilation of a body in the Dec. 28, 2019, death of 25-year-old Kevin Bacon. Police said Latunski admitted to killing Bacon and eating parts of his body. More: โHe didnโt deserve this:โ Friends grapple with brutal murder of 25-year-old Michigan man
Review concludes Michiganโs Dam Safety Unit is understaffed, constrained by time and budget
LANSING, Mich. โ The Association of State Dam Safety Officials' (ASDSO) review of Michiganโs Dam Safety Unit was presented at a meeting of the Michigan Dam Safety Task Force. READ: Michigan department publishes dam failure reportIt concluded that Michiganโs program is understaffed and constrained by limited time, resources and budget. Officials said Michiganโs investments in dam safety have been lacking for decades, which increases the risk to public safety and the environment. Currently, Michiganโs program has two dam safety engineers and one supervisor with a third dam safety engineer to be hired soon. In the Fiscal Year 2021 there is funding for hiring two more dam safety engineers.
President Donald Trump campaigns first time in Michigan since pandemic
FREELAND, Mich. โ Thousands of people turned out Thursday night in mid-Michigan at the MBS Airport to hear President Donald Trump speak. โMichigan will decide whether we return to prosperity,โ President Trump said. โ...Tell your governor to open your state.โThe president had a lot of criticism for Gov. He also mentioned Biden visiting Michigan Wednesday in Metro Detroit. Polling released by Local 4 has Biden plus five over Trump in Michigan, which is a one-point above the margin of error.
Watch Local 4 News at 11 -- Sept. 10, 2020
Hereโs whatโs coming up on Local 4 News at 11:President Trump criticizes Gov. Whitmer during Michigan campaign rallyThousands of people turned out Thursday night in mid-Michigan at the MBS Airport to hear President Donald Trump speak. About 5,000 people were allowed inside, leaving another thousand outside watch as the Air Force One touched down. Those in attendance had to wear a mask to get in and have their temperatures taken but social distancing inside was not a possibility.
New York Times correspondent Kathy Gray says Trump campaign removed her from Michigan rally
FREELAND, Mich. โ A New York Times correspondent attending a rally held by President Donald Trump in Freeland said she was tracked down by the Trump campaign and removed from the rally. READ: President Trump to visit mid-Michigan todayTweets are embedded below:First for me: Trump campaign tracked me down from pics i tweeted and escorted me out. โ Kathy Gray (@michpoligal) September 10, 2020Iโve just been kicked out of the trump rally. โ Kathy Gray (@michpoligal) September 10, 2020And so it begins pic.twitter.com/fuLY4oasjP โ Kathy Gray (@michpoligal) September 10, 2020Air force one just landed โ Kathy Gray (@michpoligal) September 10, 2020Crammed in crowd in the rain for trump rally in michigan. Not many masks pic.twitter.com/5DZ6JBVNK8 โ Kathy Gray (@michpoligal) September 10, 2020
ClickOnDetroit Morning Briefing -- Sept. 10, 2020
What to know today Whitmer to provide coronavirus (COVID-19) updateMichigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will provide an update Thursday on the states handling of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. President Trump will speak in Freeland at 7 p.m. on Thursday at airport hangar AvFlight Saginaw. The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 108,595 as of Wednesday, including 6,552 deaths, state officials report. New COVID-19 cases and deaths remain flat in Michigan.
Presidential candidate Joe Biden makes campaign stop in Warren
WARREN, Mich. With less than two months to go before the presidential election, Michigans status as a battleground state is starting to emerge. President Donald Trump has a stop planned in mid-Michigan for Thursday. Presidential candidate Joe Biden made a campaign stop in Warren. READ: In Michigan, Joe Biden slams Trump over Woodward book revelation on downplaying virusHe knowingly and willingly lied about the threat it posed to the country for months, Biden said during his speech in Warren. Biden pitched his Made in America plan, which includes raising the corporate tax rate, penalties for offshoring jobs, increasing the tax rate on profits from goods made overseas, and a 10 percent tax credit for businesses who invest in domestic jobs.
Watch Local 4 News at 4 -- Sept. 9, 2020
Heres whats coming up on Local 4 News at 4:Joe Biden wraps up campaign stop in MichiganWith less than two months to go before the presidential election, Michigans status as a battleground state is starting to emerge. President Donald Trump has a stop planned in mid-Michigan for Thursday. Presidential candidate Joe Biden made a campaign stop in Warren.
Michigan man sentenced in drowning death of toddler
MIDLAND, Mich. A 24-year-old Michigan man has been sentenced between 25 and 50 years in prison for the drowning death of a toddler. He appeared in court Friday to be sentenced on a second-degree murder charge for the death of 1-year-old Skylar N. Pappel. The child died in September last year when Garrett was giving the girl a bath at her mothers apartment in Midland. The child fell and hit her head on the faucet and fell face-first into the water. Im not perfect -- please believe me when I tell you that Im remorseful.Before the plea agreement, he faced charges of felony-murder and first degree child abuse.
Mid-Michigan man dies after confrontation with officers
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. A mid-Michigan man has died following a chase and confrontation with officers, police said. The 22-year-old Marshall man was driving toward officers when they opened fire on him early Saturday, the Battle Creek Police Department said. Two Battle Creek officers traveling in the same patrol vehicle attempted to stop a suspected drunken driver whose SUV was veering into oncoming lanes of traffic, police said. As officers walked toward the SUV, the man suddenly drove toward them, and the three officers shot into the vehicle, police said. Investigators said its unclear how many shots were fired, and whether any of the shots hit the man.
President Trump to visit mid-Michigan Thursday
U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to deliver remarks in mid-Michigan on Thursday -- one day after former Vice President Joe Biden plans to visit the state. President Trump will speak in Freeland at 7 p.m. on Thursday at airport hangar Avflight Saginaw. The news of Trumps visit comes just after it was announced that former Vice President Joe Biden will also be visiting Michigan on Wednesday. He is the Democratic partys presidential nominee for the 2020 General Election. More: 2020 General Election coverage
ClickOnDetroit NIGHTSIDE report -- Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020
DETROIT U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to deliver remarks in mid-Michigan on Thursday -- one day after former Vice President Joe Biden plans to visit the state. WATCH Local 4 News at 11Metro Detroit weather: Cloudy, mild Saturday evening with some showersSaturday evening mostly cloudy and mild. Temperatures will be in the upper 60s. Saturday night will be mostly cloudy with scattered showers departing by dawn. 4 Fast FactsFriday, Sept. 4, 2020 --
Plants cropping up in lost Michigan lakes where dams failed
Nature is returning to the dry beds of a string of mid-Michigan lakes that drained in May after two dams failed during torrential rains. (AP Photo/ Jeff McMillan)LANSING, Mich. Nature is returning to craters left from lakes drained by two dams that failed in May during torrential rain in mid-Michigan. It hopes to restore the infrastructure and shoreline of Wixom and Sanford lakes and prevent homes from being lost to the eroding edges of what were once the lakes. Under eminent domain, the owners, Boyce Hydro and and Boyce Hydro Power, could be ordered to sell the properties to the task force as the governmental body representing the counties, task force spokesperson Stacey Trapani said. Four Lakes Task Force estimates it will cost more than $30 million to stop the erosion, remove the debris left by the flooding and stabilize all four dams.
Federal disaster declaration to aid Midland County flood response approved
Gretchen Whitmer announced Thursday afternoon President Donald Trump declared a major disaster area for mid-Michigan counties affected by widespread and severe flooding and dam failures in May. โSeeing the people and businesses of these communities pull together to help one another after this 500-year flooding event continues to inspire me,โ Whitmer said. She later expanded her declaration to include Iosco County. Persistent steady rain resulted in excessive two-day rainfall totals reaching record levels at some locations. MORE: โLooked like Niagra Fallsโ -- Dam that created Wixom Lake gives way, flooding mid-Michigan communitiesMultiple residents impacted by the flood have taken part of two federal class-action lawsuits filed against the dam owners.
Dozens of residents join lawsuit against dam owners following devastating mid-Michigan floods
MIDLAND, Mich. As many as 60 residents have joined a class-action lawsuit against the owners of the dams that failed and caused catastrophic flooding in mid-Michigan. READ: Investigating who is responsible for Edenville Dam failure that led to devastating floodsTheres a lot of finger pointing as residents join a class-action lawsuit against the dam owners and the state. We moved up here because we wanted to be by the lake (where) we grew up as kids, Tom said. Lantzys law firm is representing more than 60 families in the class-action lawsuit against dam owner Boyce Hydro. The lawsuit looks to hold Boyce Hydro negligent and liable for damages, including medical expenses, property damage and property value.
ClickOnDetroit NIGHTSIDE report -- Wednesday, June 10, 2020
DETROIT Power outages should be expected with damaging wind gusts being forecasted for Wednesday afternoon. Local 4 will be tracking the DTE Energy and Consumers Energy power outages in the link above. WATCH Local 4 News at 114 Fast FactsBe InformedA state representative wants Michigan Gov. Rep. Luke Meerman (R-88th District) wants the top boss of the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency removed. Ford is recalling about 2.5 million vehicles in the U.S., Canada and elsewhere because of a nagging door latch problem and a brake fluid leak.
We thought we would retire in next few years -- Northville familys cottage destroyed in floods
NORTHVILLE, Mich. A Northville family whose cottage was destroyed when dam failures caused catastrophic flooding in mid-Michigan said they thought they would retire in the next few years, but thats no longer the case. Julie Ann Van Ameyde said her family is still reeling from the floods and feels forgotten by the government. This was going to be our retirement home, Van Ameyde said. Van Ameyde lives in Northville, but she and her husband had a retirement home in Beaverton. An act of God, Van Ameyde said.
6 dams in SE Michigan considered โhigh hazard potential damsโ -- hereโs the list
It turns out six dams in the area are considered โhigh hazard potential." A high hazard dam might cause serious damage to homes, buildings, highways and lives, according to experts. The Pontiac Lake Dam is also considered a high hazard potential -- upsetting news to those who live and fish on the lake. According to EGLE, there are 85 high hazard potential dams in the state. The Defenders asked for copies of the inspection reports and lists of violations for the six high hazard potential dams in Southeast Michigan, but we are still waiting for that paperwork.
LIVE STREAM: Michigan officials provide update on flooding aftermath in Midland County
MIDLAND COUNTY, Mich. โ Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel will host a news briefing at 3 p.m. on Tuesday to provide an update on the aftermath of the Edenville and Sanford dam failures and subsequent flooding in Mid-Michigan last month. You can watch the briefing live in the video player above at 3 p.m.Nessel will be joined by the director of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Liesl Clark and the director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Dan Eichinger. The briefing comes almost three weeks after nearly 11,000 mid-Michigan residents evacuated their homes due to a massive flooding emergency caused by breaches in the Edenville and Sanford dams. The flood damaged countless homes, businesses and roads in central Michigan. Whitmer requests investigation of dam breach that caused massive flooding in mid-Michigan
LIVE STREAM: Gov. Whitmer holds briefing on Midland County flooding response
MIDLAND, Mich. โ Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will offer an update on the stateโs response to the devastating floods in Midland County last month. Whitmer will provide a brief update alongside local officials on the stateโs response to the historic flooding in Mid-Michigan. Afterward, she will volunteer at the flood relief donation distribution center. The briefing is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. -- you can watch it live in the video player above.
Michigan Gov. Whitmer says entire state will move to phase 5 of reopening plan in coming weeks
We owe it to our front line workers to keep doing our part.On Friday, Whitmer announced regions six and eight would move to the fifth phase on Wednesday (June 10). On Sunday, the state announced 513 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus, as well as an additional 28 deaths. As the daily rate of new cases and deaths continues to decline and overall testing ramps up around the state, Whitmer has started reopening certain sectors of the economy. Michigans economy got a much-needed boost when Whitmer announced she would reopen manufacturing, including the Big 3 automakers. Ford, General Motors and Fiat Chrysler would be allowed to reopen at the beginning of the following week, Whitmer announced May 7.
Heres which Michigan colleges will have in-person, online fall classes -- or both
Central Michigan UniversityCentral Michigan University will welcome students back to campus for the Fall 2020 semester. The college will then offer online courses, online and in-person hybrid courses and web-enhanced courses -- which are mainly for health and occupational students and consist primarily of in-person classes with online educational tools. Northern Michigan UniversityNorthern Michigan University will resume in-person classes in the fall one week early beginning August 17. The college says that enrollment for classes is open, but it is unclear if in-person classes will resume in the fall. Western Michigan UniversityWestern Michigan University has not yet announced a plan for the upcoming fall semester.
More mid-Michigan residents sue Edenville, Sanford dam owners after flooding devastation
DETROIT โ Buckfire Law Firm announced Tuesday two class-action lawsuits filed against Edenville and Sanford dam owners and the state of Michigan following the devastating flood emergency in central Michigan last month. Nearly 11,000 mid-Michigan residents evacuated their homes on May 20 after multiple dams were breached, causing a massive flooding emergency in the region. Tuesdayโs lawsuits are part of a series of filings against the dam owners and state for allegedly neglecting to ensure the dams operated in accordance with federal guidelines. The dam owners have previously received multiple citations from federal regulators for failure to meet safety guidelines over the last decade. MORE: Residents want answers in Edenville Dam failure that led to devastating floodsBuckfire Law is representing 19 mid-Michigan residents in the federal class-action lawsuit against dam owners Boyce Hydro and its manager Lee Mueller.
Michigan stay-at-home order: Heres where entire state stands heading into this week
LANSING, Mich. The entire state of Michigan is still under restrictions as Gov. BREAKING UPDATE: Whitmer lifts stay-at-home order across entire stateExplaining current situationOn Sunday, the state announced 513 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus, as well as an additional 28 deaths. As the daily rate of new cases and deaths continues to decline and overall testing ramps up around the state, Whitmer has started reopening certain sectors of the economy. Michigans economy got a much-needed boost when Whitmer announced she would reopen manufacturing, including the Big 3 automakers. Ford, General Motors and Fiat Chrysler would be allowed to reopen at the beginning of the following week, Whitmer announced May 7.
Michigan Gov. Whitmer lifts stay-at-home order across state, reopening restaurants, more
Gretchen Whitmer has lifted the stay-at-home order for the entire state, meaning restaurants, and much more will be able to reopen as the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) slows. On Sunday, the state announced 513 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus, as well as an additional 28 deaths. As the daily rate of new cases and deaths continues to decline and overall testing ramps up around the state, Whitmer has started reopening certain sectors of the economy. Michigans economy got a much-needed boost when Whitmer announced she would reopen manufacturing, including the Big 3 automakers. Ford, General Motors and Fiat Chrysler would be allowed to reopen at the beginning of the following week, Whitmer announced May 7.
Michigan National Guard to support Grand Rapids peace, clean-up efforts following violent protests
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. The Michigan National Guard was activated Sunday at the request of Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss to support the city after protests turned violent Saturday night. Protestors moved through Grand Rapids later Saturday night and into Sunday morning, setting fires, smashing windows and looting after a day of peaceful protests. READ: Grand Rapids clean-up underway after night of fiery protestsOfficials say guard members will support civil authorities to maintain peace and repair property damage in Grand Rapids. The Michigan National Guard is already assisting with humanitarian efforts in communities across the state. We welcome the Michigan National Guard as an additional partner to increase our public safety preparedness as issues evolve.
ClickOnDetroit NIGHTSIDE report -- Wednesday, May 27, 2020
DETROIT A Michigan lawmaker whose mother has now tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19) said Gov. Public health officials said the Swiss cheese approach to reducing the risk of being infected can help keep people safe. Gretchen Whitmer to allow them to reopen, even creating an eight-step plan to do so safely. A decision was all but guaranteed by Kilpatricks family and supporters, but on Tuesday night, federal officials announced his request was denied. Gretchen Whitmer held a news conference on Wednesday to provide an update on the states response to the historic flooding event in Midland County.
Debris line neighborhoods in mid-Michigan as community deals with damage from devastating floods
MIDLAND COUNTY, Mich. โ On Wednesday, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was back in Midland County to announce an investigation into why the Edenville and Sanford dams gave way. A week later, piles of debris lined neighborhoods. READ: Shocking mid-Michigan flood pictures show ravaged roads, underwater houses, floating carsNeither of them know if their homes are stable enough to move back into. MORE: More than 800 volunteers visit Midland to help flood victims despite pandemicWatch the video above to hear from Coulson and Mills.
Debris line neighborhoods in mid-Michigan as community deals with damage from devastating floods
Debris line neighborhoods in mid-Michigan as community deals with damage from devastating floodsPublished: May 27, 2020, 5:17 pmOn Wednesday, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was back in Midland County to announce an investigation into why the Edenville and Sanford dams gave way.
Gov. Whitmer requests investigation of dam breach that caused massive flooding in mid-Michigan
Gretchen Whitmer held a news conference on Wednesday to provide an update on the stateโs response to the historic flooding event in Midland County. โThis flooding forced thousands to evacuate their homes, destroyed public infrastructure, ruined homes and businesses, and caused major natural resource damage,โ said Governor Whitmer. The Kriegers and Sperlings own adjacent properties and homes on the banks of the Tittabawassee River less than a mile south of the Edenville Dam. Whitmer extended the state of emergency for Midland County to include three additional counties last weekend. U.S. President Donald Trump approved a federal emergency declaration for Midland County last Thursday.
PGA professionals collect donations for mid-Michigan residents after flooding devastation
MIDLAND, Mich. Professional golfers in southeast Michigan are collecting donations to aid individuals and families affected by the massive flooding emergency in Midland last week. READ: Catastrophic flooding, evacuations in mid-Michigan as dams fail: What to knowPGA members Jordan Young and Brian Cairns are leading an initiative to collect two trailers worth of supplies and high demand products to donate to mid-Michigan residents. Officials said high priority supplies include nonperishable foods, personal hygiene products, blankets, new socks and clothes, gift cards, diapers and cleaning supplies. High priority is for nonperishable foods, personal hygiene products, blankets, new socks and clothes, gift cards, diapers and cleaning supplies. Learn more about volunteer or donation opportunities and disaster resources available to help mid-Michigan residents here.
Four Lakes Task Force halts purchase of mid-Michigan dams following floods
EDENVILLE, Mich. A task force that was set to acquire and improve mid-Michigan dams has halted the purchase after dam failures caused historic flooding last week. About 10,000 people in mid-Michigan were asked to evacuate their homes after multiple dams were breached, causing a major flooding emergency. Here is the full statement from the Four Lakes Task Force:"Recent events related to the Edenville dam failure were terrible and tragic for our community. All of us on the Four Lakes Task Force are devastated by our individual and collective losses, and our hearts go out to everyone who is impacted. The Four Lakes Task Force is collaborating with the Counties, lake communities and regulatory authorities on the best path forward as we assess the issues and work toward recovery.
Sanford woman kayaks to floating home swept away by flood to recover mothers ashes
SANFORD, Mich. When the massive flooding overtook mid-Michigan earlier this week, Kathy Parsch was the last person to evacuate the village of Sanford. Nearly 11,000 mid-Michigan residents were forced to evacuate their homes due to a massive flooding emergency triggered by dam failures on Tuesday. READ: Catastrophic flooding, evacuations in mid-Michigan as dams fail: What to knowNow Parsch and her friends are looking for her home in Sanford after it was swept away by the floods. Parsch and her friends found kayaks laying around and got into the water. The Sanford woman was on a mission to recover her mothers ashes that were left inside the home when she evacuated.
Michigan Republican Party asks attorney general to give feds control of investigation into Midland tragedy
DETROIT โ In recent days the Detroit News and Bridge Magazine have published stories about Michigan Attorney General Dana Nesselโs lawsuit against the owner of the Edenville Dam, which tragically failed on Tuesday forcing thousands to evacuate their homes because of the floods. Nessel wanted more water added to promote the safety of freshwater mussels, which she alleged were being damaged by the low water levels. Michigan Republican Party Chairman Laura Cox is calling on Nessel to recuse her office from the investigation of the Edenville Dam tragedy and transfer the inquiry to federal authorities. "With these troubling new revelations that the stateโs lawsuits may have played a role in this tragedy, it is clear that Attorney General Dana Nessel should not lead this investigation. Therefore, the Michigan Republican Party calls for the Attorney General to turn over the investigation of the Edenville Damโs failure to federal authorities.
Red Cross shelters open to help residents impacted by devastating mid-Michigan floods
MIDLAND COUNTY, Mich. โ Historic flooding caused by dam failures forced thousands from their homes in mid-Michigan. The Edenville dam and Sanford dams failed. At about 5 p.m. Tuesday, the Edenville Dam that created Wixom Lake gave away. MORE: Residents in Midland County return after evacuationsThe American Red Cross is still helping residents impacted by the floods. READ: Residents want answers in Edenville Dam failure that led to devastating floodsView the list of shelters below:
NASA images show difference in rivers, dams after flooding in mid-Michigan
DETROIT NASA released images that show just how devastating the historic flood was in mid-Michigan this week. The natural-color images show flooding across Midland County as observed by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8. The slider below shows the Tittabawassee River on May 20, 2020 (right), compared to June 3, 2019 (left). The after photos show the level of water that emptied from dams and rivers into neighborhoods and surrounding areas. Major flooding in Mid-Michigan: How much rain fell, how historic was it?
ClickOnDetroit NIGHTSIDE report -- Thursday, May 21, 2020
Gretchen Whitmers plan to mitigate the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) requires people to be very conscious of how they spend their time. Michiganders are asked to stay home as much as possible -- but a new order issued on Thursday gives people more latitude. The situation has turned into a bitterly contested finger pointing match on who is to blame for the Edenville Dam failure. Gretchen Whitmer continues to loosen her coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions across the state, as many businesses and procedures are now able to open in some capacity. Before she extended her first stay-at-home order on April 24, Whitmer had virtually shut down the entire state completely.
Damage of floods revealed in Midland County as water recedes
SANFORD, Mich. Residents were allowed back into their neighborhoods as the floodwaters in Midland County receded. Houses, garages, vehicles and more were swept away in the devastating Tuesday floods. READ: Catastrophic flooding, evacuations in mid-Michigan as dams fail: What to knowTravis Barringer and Crystal Kerns had the only home in their neighborhood still standing, but it was filled with water and destroyed. The Edenville Dam failed Tuesday night and sent Wixom Lake into a neighborhood just down river. Kerns said they are staying with family and are hoping to find a place to call their own for their family and pets.
Michigan National Guard aids residents impacted by Midland flooding while continuing COVID-19 response
LANSING, Mich. On Wednesday, May 20, Michigan National Guard units from Bay City, Saginaw, Port Huron, and other nearby communities responded to a request from Michigan State Police (MSP) to aid evacuating residents following massive flooding in the Midland area resulting from the breach of the Edenville and Sanford Dams. Working in cooperation with state and local incident commanders and county Emergency Operations Center personnel, Michigan National Guard members were dispatched to help evacuate 21 individuals, as well as six dogs and two cats threatened by the flooding. Guard members utilized equipment such as Light Medium Tactical Vehicles (LMTVs) that are capable of driving through high water for this mission. In addition to assisting community members, Michigan National Guard members recovered and removed books from a flooded library in Midland. This rapid response was accomplished while the Michigan National Guard remains heavily integrated into the State of Michigans fight against COVID-19.
Sanford residents band together to clean up destroyed main street
SANFORD, Mich. Every business along the main street in Sanford has been damaged by the flood. A new energy can be found Friday on Saginaw Road as residents help clean and fix their community. READ: Catastrophic flooding, evacuations in mid-Michigan as dams fail: What to knowAll I could think of was that it looked like a war zone, said Pam Riggie, with Sanford Pizza. Not only is Sanford Pizza destroyed, photos inside of Riggies late father were also washed away. The customers who came for pick-up to help the business stay afloat during the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders returned Friday to help clean up.
Homeowners survey devastation of Midland County floods
Homeowners survey devastation of Midland County floodsPublished: May 21, 2020, 12:24 pmAuthorities were assessing damage Thursday as floodwaters from heavy rains that overtook two dams retreated in some mid-Michigan communities and continued to threaten others further downriver.
Michigan governor requests federal disaster declaration to aid Midland County flood response
Gretchen Whitmer has formally requested a federal disaster declaration to open aid to assist in responding to historic flooding in Midland County. โOver the past two days, a major rainfall event in mid-Michigan led to the failure of two dams and severe flooding in affected areas. Thousands of people were forced to evacuate as water surged into their streets, homes, and businesses in the county of Midland,โ said Gov. The governor then called on President Trump to declare an emergency for Midland County on an expedited basis. More: Tittibiwassee River crests at 35 feet, could still be days before waters recedeOn May 19, Governor Whitmer declared a State of Emergency in Midland County.
President Trump signs federal emergency declaration to aid Midland County flood response
DETROIT President Trump has approved a request for federal aid in response to historic flooding in Midland County. Whitmer sent a letter to President Trump late Wednesday, requesting the declaration. Emergency protective measures, limited to direct Federal assistance, will be provided at 75 percent Federal funding. The governor then called on President Trump to declare an emergency for Midland County on an expedited basis. More: Tittibiwassee River crests at 35 feet, could still be days before waters recedeOn May 19, Governor Whitmer declared a State of Emergency in Midland County.
WATCH: Aerial footage of Midland flood devastation on May 21
MIDLAND, Mich. New Local 4 footage shows the city of Midland largely underwater on Thursday following this weeks major flooding emergency in mid-Michigan. Watch the video below:The Edenville Dam broke on Tuesday evening and the Sanford Dam has been breached after heavy rainfall hit the region, causing massive flooding in the area. READ: Catastrophic flooding, evacuations in mid-Michigan as dams fail: What to knowNearly 10,000 residents in Edenville, Sanford and parts of Midland have been evacuated amid the major flooding emergency. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Midland County on Tuesday night. The governor has since requested federal aid to assist with the states response to the flooding emergency.
Your whole life is in a house and its gone -- Residents in Midland County return after evacuations
SANFORD, Mich. Many people who lived in Sanford returned home to find nothing left after Tuesdays dam failures and floods. Roads were blocked off so this is the first time we could get here," said Pat Perry. Its something you cant even fathom," Pat Perry said. Just Devastating -- Wixom Lake becomes muddy field after dam failuresYou can see where my house was," Jerry Perry said. Things are just things, but it is a hard pill to swallow," Pat Perry said.