Deadly Southwest Michigan Tornadoes Prompt State of Emergency; Lansing Council to Vote on Capitol Walk Project
Gretchen Whitmer has declared a state of emergency following a deadly tornado outbreak that tore through parts of southwest Michigan Friday night, leaving several people dead and multiple communities heavily damaged.
According to officials, three tornadoes touched down across Branch, Cass and St. Joseph counties.
In Union City, Michigan, authorities reported three deaths and 12 injuries after a powerful tornado ripped through the area. Meanwhile, in Edwardsburg, Michigan, a 12-year-old boy was killed and several others were injured when another tornado struck the community.
The governor issued the emergency declaration less than 24 hours after the storms and activated the state’s Emergency Operations Center to coordinate response efforts in affected areas.
The National Weather Service later released updated information on the storms. Officials say the Union City tornado reached peak winds of about 160 miles per hour and was powerful enough to pick up and throw a mobile home roughly 100 yards, with one of the victims inside.
A separate tornado in Edwardsburg reached estimated peak winds of 95 miles per hour. A third tornado near Three Rivers, Michigan in St. Joseph County produced winds of about 130 miles per hour.
The governor’s office is also calling for a federal investigation into why a tornado watch was not issued before the storms. Officials are questioning whether recent funding cuts could have played a role. The Weather Service has not yet commented on the request.
Lansing Council to Vote on Capitol Walk Development
Back in mid-Michigan, the Lansing City Council is expected to vote on a brownfield redevelopment plan for the proposed Capitol Walk apartment project.
The development, led by the Lawton Group, would bring a 124-unit apartment complex to Chestnut Street in downtown Lansing.
Andy Schor says he’s hopeful the project will move forward.
“I’m looking forward to seeing that project move forward,” Schor said. “I hope that it goes well in Council tonight.”
The mayor noted the project has already been presented several times and has not generated significant concerns from council members.
Lansing Road Closures Begin
Lansing commuters will also see new construction-related traffic changes beginning this week.
Pennsylvania Avenue is closed between Mount Hope Avenue and Fayette Street for construction through mid-July. In addition, Aurelius Road between Forest Road and Mount Hope Avenue will be closed for utility work through March 27.
Drivers are advised to seek alternate routes while work continues.
Economist Reacts to February Jobs Report
A new jobs report showing roughly 92,000 jobs unexpectedly cut nationwide is drawing reaction from economists in Michigan.
Dr. Timothy Nash of Northwood University says the numbers aren’t entirely negative, particularly when looking at government employment.
Nash says roughly 330,000 government jobs have been cut over the last 16 months, suggesting the broader economy continues to function despite the latest downturn.
MSU Students Land Shark Tank Investment
Meanwhile, two student entrepreneurs from Michigan State University are celebrating a major investment after appearing on the TV show Shark Tank.
One of the founders, Madhav Aggarwal, says their company “Brace” has developed shoelaces designed to function like Velcro.
Aggarwal says the product is designed so laces never come untied and maintain grip regardless of activity or weather conditions.
The MSU team secured a $300,000 investment during their appearance on the show.
