Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has requested that President Donald Trump declare a major disaster in response to multiple tornado touchdowns in southwest Michigan in March. The tornadoes claimed four lives, marking the deadliest tornado event in Michigan in nearly five decades.
“These tornadoes brought heartbreaking loss and widespread destruction to Southwest Michigan,” Whitmer said. “Michigan families have lost loved ones, homes and businesses. I declared a state of emergency, but our work is just beginning. As we wrap our arms around the affected communities, we are requesting federal assistance to ensure those affected have the resources they need to recover.”
On March 6, four tornadoes with intensities ranging from EF-0 to EF-3 impacted southwest Michigan. Communities near Edwardsburg in Cass County, in and around the city of Three Rivers in St. Joseph County, and along the north side of Union Lake in Union City in Branch County, were among the hardest hit.
The tornadoes damaged or destroyed numerous homes and businesses, overturned vehicles, and sheared trees. A 12-year-old child in Cass County lost their life, along with three adults in Union City. The storm also caused significant power outages across the region.
“Michigan’s Branch, Cass, and St. Joseph counties have shown remarkable resilience, but these communities need the additional support that a federal disaster declaration provides,” U.S. Sen. Gary Peters said. “Gov. Whitmer and I are working hard to ensure that Michiganders get the assistance they deserve as they work to rebuild and recover from these devastating storms.”
"After spending multiple days on the ground with officials, I’ve seen that the devastation across our district from the recent tornadoes has been profound, and many of our neighbors are facing tremendous loss,” said U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Tipton. “This critical step ensures our communities can access the resources they need to rebuild and have the tools necessary to support long-term recovery.”
The governor has requested activation of all areas of the Individual Assistance (IA) program for the counties of Branch, Cass, and St. Joseph.
A joint preliminary damage assessment with local, state, and federal officials was conducted on March 17 to assess and validate the most severely affected areas. Based on the findings, state officials determined the damage met the threshold to request federal assistance.
If granted, IA may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and businesses recover.
Governor Whitmer’s request will be reviewed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which will advise President Trump on whether a disaster declaration is warranted. The final decision rests with the president.
“These tornadoes brought heartbreaking loss and widespread destruction to Southwest Michigan,” Whitmer said. “Michigan families have lost loved ones, homes and businesses. I declared a state of emergency, but our work is just beginning. As we wrap our arms around the affected communities, we are requesting federal assistance to ensure those affected have the resources they need to recover.”
On March 6, four tornadoes with intensities ranging from EF-0 to EF-3 impacted southwest Michigan. Communities near Edwardsburg in Cass County, in and around the city of Three Rivers in St. Joseph County, and along the north side of Union Lake in Union City in Branch County, were among the hardest hit.
The tornadoes damaged or destroyed numerous homes and businesses, overturned vehicles, and sheared trees. A 12-year-old child in Cass County lost their life, along with three adults in Union City. The storm also caused significant power outages across the region.
“Michigan’s Branch, Cass, and St. Joseph counties have shown remarkable resilience, but these communities need the additional support that a federal disaster declaration provides,” U.S. Sen. Gary Peters said. “Gov. Whitmer and I are working hard to ensure that Michiganders get the assistance they deserve as they work to rebuild and recover from these devastating storms.”
"After spending multiple days on the ground with officials, I’ve seen that the devastation across our district from the recent tornadoes has been profound, and many of our neighbors are facing tremendous loss,” said U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Tipton. “This critical step ensures our communities can access the resources they need to rebuild and have the tools necessary to support long-term recovery.”
The governor has requested activation of all areas of the Individual Assistance (IA) program for the counties of Branch, Cass, and St. Joseph.
A joint preliminary damage assessment with local, state, and federal officials was conducted on March 17 to assess and validate the most severely affected areas. Based on the findings, state officials determined the damage met the threshold to request federal assistance.
If granted, IA may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and businesses recover.
Governor Whitmer’s request will be reviewed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which will advise President Trump on whether a disaster declaration is warranted. The final decision rests with the president.
Wanted: More Foster Homes
for Michigan Kids
(Ed. Note: This story was originally published by Bridge Michigan, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. Visit the newsroom online: bridgemi.com.)
By Janelle D. James
Bridge Michigan
Michigan is facing a growing shortage of foster homes even as it steps up efforts to recruit more families, hosting orientations and streamlining policies to make it easier for caregivers to open their homes.
There are about 10,000 children currently in foster care in Michigan, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. But as of September 2025, there are about 2,800 licensed foster homes, down from roughly 3,700 the previous year and around 4,000 in 2023.
Even after the state expanded the legal definition of relative to include relatives not related by birth and made it easier for relatives and kin to become licensed foster parents, 20% of the foster homes that closed were individuals fostering their own relatives. The other 80% were caring for children who were not related to them.
According to the most recent report from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the most common reasons for foster home closures are caregiver burnout, families choosing to focus on their own needs and caregivers adopting the children placed with them.
“Unfortunately, when kids cannot be returned safely, they need a loving, caring and forever home, and that’s when you have foster parents that have been in that (position), caring for these children and have stepped forward to really provide them that forever home,” said George Winn, chief strategy officer for the Judson Center, a nonprofit in southeast Michigan that provides support to children, adults and families involved in the foster care system.
“As they adopt kids, that means they don’t have the available space in their home to take on additional kids,” he said.
In recent years, the state has expanded outreach campaigns, hosted foster care orientations and increased funding for foster parents. Caregivers currently receive about $670 a month for children under 12, $800 for children 13 or older and $825 for young adults living independently but still receiving foster care assistance.
Winn said last year’s fatal shooting of a foster family in Washtenaw County, in which Shuvonne Vinson, Gregory Callhan and Keith Finley were charged with killing Jennifer Bernhard and Stevie Smith while trying to take back Vinson’s daughter who was in their care, has made some people more hesitant to become foster parents.
“That’s really rare but all it takes is one of those particular incidents that really send a shockwave throughout the system,” Winn said.
The state health department, which oversees foster care programs, did not respond to requests for comment on this story.
Increasing the number of foster homes may not be enough to address the individual needs of children impacted by the foster care system, according to experts, who say there needs to be more diversity in the types of homes open to children with specialized medical needs or religious preferences.
“It can be a little bit more complicated than people realize. When they look at it from the outside, they’re like, ‘Oh, there’s 3,000 kids in foster care that need homes. We need 2500 homes.’ That’s not really how it works,” said Lara Bouse, executive director of Fostering Forward Michigan, a statewide coalition made up of foster, adoptive and kinship caregivers.
To become a foster parent, individuals must attend an orientation hosted by the MDHHS, complete at least 30 hours of training, undergo a background check and pass a home assessment.
The process can take as little as 90 days or up to six months. Individuals can also determine the placement they receive based on their preferences for age, gender, the number of children, etc.
“We’re trying to find people … that have the capacity to either set their own biases aside, understand cultural differences and then be able to provide that specialized care,” Bouse said.
One challenge is figuring out a way to find homes so that a group of six siblings, for example, aren’t being split up, she added.
The state prohibits more than four foster children in a home at one time, but exceptions can be made to ensure that a group of siblings stays together.
By Janelle D. James
Bridge Michigan
Michigan is facing a growing shortage of foster homes even as it steps up efforts to recruit more families, hosting orientations and streamlining policies to make it easier for caregivers to open their homes.
There are about 10,000 children currently in foster care in Michigan, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. But as of September 2025, there are about 2,800 licensed foster homes, down from roughly 3,700 the previous year and around 4,000 in 2023.
Even after the state expanded the legal definition of relative to include relatives not related by birth and made it easier for relatives and kin to become licensed foster parents, 20% of the foster homes that closed were individuals fostering their own relatives. The other 80% were caring for children who were not related to them.
According to the most recent report from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the most common reasons for foster home closures are caregiver burnout, families choosing to focus on their own needs and caregivers adopting the children placed with them.
“Unfortunately, when kids cannot be returned safely, they need a loving, caring and forever home, and that’s when you have foster parents that have been in that (position), caring for these children and have stepped forward to really provide them that forever home,” said George Winn, chief strategy officer for the Judson Center, a nonprofit in southeast Michigan that provides support to children, adults and families involved in the foster care system.
“As they adopt kids, that means they don’t have the available space in their home to take on additional kids,” he said.
In recent years, the state has expanded outreach campaigns, hosted foster care orientations and increased funding for foster parents. Caregivers currently receive about $670 a month for children under 12, $800 for children 13 or older and $825 for young adults living independently but still receiving foster care assistance.
Winn said last year’s fatal shooting of a foster family in Washtenaw County, in which Shuvonne Vinson, Gregory Callhan and Keith Finley were charged with killing Jennifer Bernhard and Stevie Smith while trying to take back Vinson’s daughter who was in their care, has made some people more hesitant to become foster parents.
“That’s really rare but all it takes is one of those particular incidents that really send a shockwave throughout the system,” Winn said.
The state health department, which oversees foster care programs, did not respond to requests for comment on this story.
Increasing the number of foster homes may not be enough to address the individual needs of children impacted by the foster care system, according to experts, who say there needs to be more diversity in the types of homes open to children with specialized medical needs or religious preferences.
“It can be a little bit more complicated than people realize. When they look at it from the outside, they’re like, ‘Oh, there’s 3,000 kids in foster care that need homes. We need 2500 homes.’ That’s not really how it works,” said Lara Bouse, executive director of Fostering Forward Michigan, a statewide coalition made up of foster, adoptive and kinship caregivers.
To become a foster parent, individuals must attend an orientation hosted by the MDHHS, complete at least 30 hours of training, undergo a background check and pass a home assessment.
The process can take as little as 90 days or up to six months. Individuals can also determine the placement they receive based on their preferences for age, gender, the number of children, etc.
“We’re trying to find people … that have the capacity to either set their own biases aside, understand cultural differences and then be able to provide that specialized care,” Bouse said.
One challenge is figuring out a way to find homes so that a group of six siblings, for example, aren’t being split up, she added.
The state prohibits more than four foster children in a home at one time, but exceptions can be made to ensure that a group of siblings stays together.
Battle Creek VA Facility to
Get $14.5M Upgrade
The Battle Creek Veterans Administration Medical Center is receiving $14,497,160 to modernize, repair, and improve buildings on its campus as part of the Veterans Health Administration’s Non-Recurring Maintenance (NRM) Program.
In January, the Trump Administration announced the largest NRM allocation ever at $4.8 billion. The NRM program funds one-time maintenance projects for facilities, equipment or infrastructure that are not part of routine, recurring maintenance. These projects include significant maintenance, replacements or upgrades needed to maintain operational capability and advance health care delivery.
Specifically, the Battle Creek VA Medical Center will be receiving funding that enhances HVAC systems, improves overall building safety, replaces elevators in multiple buildings across the campus, and installs two additional sump pumps.
“I am glad to see these important investments being made to improve infrastructure, safety, and care at the Battle Creek VA,” said U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Holland Twp, whose district includes the Battle Creek VA facility. “Our veterans deserve the best care available and that can’t happen unless we invest and make improvements to the facilities where our veterans receive care.”
In January, the Trump Administration announced the largest NRM allocation ever at $4.8 billion. The NRM program funds one-time maintenance projects for facilities, equipment or infrastructure that are not part of routine, recurring maintenance. These projects include significant maintenance, replacements or upgrades needed to maintain operational capability and advance health care delivery.
Specifically, the Battle Creek VA Medical Center will be receiving funding that enhances HVAC systems, improves overall building safety, replaces elevators in multiple buildings across the campus, and installs two additional sump pumps.
“I am glad to see these important investments being made to improve infrastructure, safety, and care at the Battle Creek VA,” said U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Holland Twp, whose district includes the Battle Creek VA facility. “Our veterans deserve the best care available and that can’t happen unless we invest and make improvements to the facilities where our veterans receive care.”
Consumers Energy Expands
Pole Inspection Program, Securing Grid
Consumers Energy is expanding its proactive infrastructure inspection program to help secure Michigan’s electric grid and deliver long-term cost savings for customers.
In 2026, Consumers Energy will significantly expand its inspection program by 150 percent, with plans to inspect more than 125,000 poles projected to result in nearly $24 million in additional cost-savings. This growth reflects the company’s long-term commitment to securing the grid through proactive, cost-efficient maintenance rather than reactive, high-cost emergency work.
“We’re proud of the meaningful progress we're making to help secure the grid across the communities we serve,” said Chris Fultz, Consumers Energy’s vice president of low voltage distribution. “We’re fixing small problems before they turn into big ones. That means fewer power outages, fewer emergency repairs, and lower costs over time—so your service is more reliable and your money goes further.”
Last year’s efforts to replace poles as part of a work plan instead of during an emergency repair saved customers $9.6 million.
In the second half of 2025, Consumers Energy inspected more than 50,000 utility poles, identifying 70 poles requiring immediate attention, 3,640 poles in need of near-term upgrades, and numerous preventative maintenance items that will further secure the grid. These early interventions also help avoid costly emergency repairs and unplanned interruptions to our customers’ electric service.
To complete this work, Consumers Energy is working with GeoForce Utility Technologies, a professional pole inspection and treatment company serving energy providers nationwide. GeoForce crews conduct detailed groundline inspections designed to identify decay and weathering, especially at and below ground level, where deterioration is most likely to occur. By routinely treating and maintaining poles, the company extends the lifespan of existing infrastructure and avoids the higher costs associated with premature equipment failure.
“This is the kind of proactive work that keeps communities safer and customer costs lower,” said Jim Azzouz, chief operating officer of GeoForce Utility Technologies. “Groundline inspections identify issues early, long before they turn into outages or expensive emergency repairs. It reflects very well on Consumers Energy to be leading this work with a scaled and data-driven program that strengthens system security and saves customers money over time.”
Because many utility poles are located behind homes or on private property, customers may occasionally see GeoForce crews working in their neighborhood. All crews will be:
• Clearly identifiable with uniforms, credentials and marked vehicles including a certified Consumers Energy contractor decal
• Trained to respect private property and follow strict safety protocols
• Focused on completing work quickly and with minimal disruption
Residents who see inspection teams can be confident that this work directly contributes to a more secure, resilient, and cost-efficient electric system. One that reduces outage risk, limits storm damage, and helps control long-term energy costs.
In 2026, Consumers Energy will significantly expand its inspection program by 150 percent, with plans to inspect more than 125,000 poles projected to result in nearly $24 million in additional cost-savings. This growth reflects the company’s long-term commitment to securing the grid through proactive, cost-efficient maintenance rather than reactive, high-cost emergency work.
“We’re proud of the meaningful progress we're making to help secure the grid across the communities we serve,” said Chris Fultz, Consumers Energy’s vice president of low voltage distribution. “We’re fixing small problems before they turn into big ones. That means fewer power outages, fewer emergency repairs, and lower costs over time—so your service is more reliable and your money goes further.”
Last year’s efforts to replace poles as part of a work plan instead of during an emergency repair saved customers $9.6 million.
In the second half of 2025, Consumers Energy inspected more than 50,000 utility poles, identifying 70 poles requiring immediate attention, 3,640 poles in need of near-term upgrades, and numerous preventative maintenance items that will further secure the grid. These early interventions also help avoid costly emergency repairs and unplanned interruptions to our customers’ electric service.
To complete this work, Consumers Energy is working with GeoForce Utility Technologies, a professional pole inspection and treatment company serving energy providers nationwide. GeoForce crews conduct detailed groundline inspections designed to identify decay and weathering, especially at and below ground level, where deterioration is most likely to occur. By routinely treating and maintaining poles, the company extends the lifespan of existing infrastructure and avoids the higher costs associated with premature equipment failure.
“This is the kind of proactive work that keeps communities safer and customer costs lower,” said Jim Azzouz, chief operating officer of GeoForce Utility Technologies. “Groundline inspections identify issues early, long before they turn into outages or expensive emergency repairs. It reflects very well on Consumers Energy to be leading this work with a scaled and data-driven program that strengthens system security and saves customers money over time.”
Because many utility poles are located behind homes or on private property, customers may occasionally see GeoForce crews working in their neighborhood. All crews will be:
• Clearly identifiable with uniforms, credentials and marked vehicles including a certified Consumers Energy contractor decal
• Trained to respect private property and follow strict safety protocols
• Focused on completing work quickly and with minimal disruption
Residents who see inspection teams can be confident that this work directly contributes to a more secure, resilient, and cost-efficient electric system. One that reduces outage risk, limits storm damage, and helps control long-term energy costs.
Department of State Recognizes
April as Donate Life Month
The Michigan Department of State (MDOS) is recognizing April as Donate Life Month, a time dedicated to celebrating organ, eye, and tissue donors and encouraging residents to join the millions of Michiganders already listed on the Michigan Organ Donor Registry.
“Thousands of patients in Michigan and nationwide are waiting for their second chance at life,” Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie said. “One simple decision can make an extraordinary difference to not only the recipient, but their family, friends, and loved ones. Our department celebrates the heroic and remarkable life-saving commitment that each organ, eye, and tissue donor makes.”
The Michigan Organ Donor Registry is a confidential database that documents an individual’s decision to become an organ, tissue and eye donor. Joining the registry is simple and secure. Michiganders can add their name online at Michigan.gov/OrganDonation, at any Secretary of State branch office or self-service station, or on their state income tax return.
“We are grateful for our partnership with the Secretary of State and their continued commitment to making donor registration accessible to all Michiganders,” said Dorrie Dils, president and CEO of Gift of Life Michigan. “That leadership is helping grow the Donor Registry and bringing hope to the more than 2,700 people waiting for a lifesaving transplant.”
In 2025, more than 214,000 residents joined the Michigan Donor Registry. One organ donor can save up to eight lives, and a single tissue donor could save 75 people. Yet every day, 13 people die waiting for a life-saving organ transplant, according to Gift of Life Michigan. Last year, Gift of Life Michigan helped 478 people become organ donors and 1,796 gave the gift of tissue. Thanks to their generosity, surgeons transplanted more than 1,200 organs.
Gift of Life Michigan is the state's federally designated organ and tissue recovery program, providing all services necessary for organ donation in Michigan. Anyone can join the Michigan Organ Donor Registry, regardless of their health or age. Those considering joining are encouraged to discuss the decision with their family.
“Thousands of patients in Michigan and nationwide are waiting for their second chance at life,” Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie said. “One simple decision can make an extraordinary difference to not only the recipient, but their family, friends, and loved ones. Our department celebrates the heroic and remarkable life-saving commitment that each organ, eye, and tissue donor makes.”
The Michigan Organ Donor Registry is a confidential database that documents an individual’s decision to become an organ, tissue and eye donor. Joining the registry is simple and secure. Michiganders can add their name online at Michigan.gov/OrganDonation, at any Secretary of State branch office or self-service station, or on their state income tax return.
“We are grateful for our partnership with the Secretary of State and their continued commitment to making donor registration accessible to all Michiganders,” said Dorrie Dils, president and CEO of Gift of Life Michigan. “That leadership is helping grow the Donor Registry and bringing hope to the more than 2,700 people waiting for a lifesaving transplant.”
In 2025, more than 214,000 residents joined the Michigan Donor Registry. One organ donor can save up to eight lives, and a single tissue donor could save 75 people. Yet every day, 13 people die waiting for a life-saving organ transplant, according to Gift of Life Michigan. Last year, Gift of Life Michigan helped 478 people become organ donors and 1,796 gave the gift of tissue. Thanks to their generosity, surgeons transplanted more than 1,200 organs.
Gift of Life Michigan is the state's federally designated organ and tissue recovery program, providing all services necessary for organ donation in Michigan. Anyone can join the Michigan Organ Donor Registry, regardless of their health or age. Those considering joining are encouraged to discuss the decision with their family.
More information is available online at Michigan.gov/Organ Donation and GiftofLifeMichigan.org.
