Michigan’s Sara Lee, of WWE ‘Tough Enough’ wrestling, dies at 30
In this MLive file photo from 2015, WWE wrestler Sara Lee is displayed on a TV screen at Sanford Lake Bar and Grill in Sanford. Family and friends gathered there to watch Lee, of nearby Hope Township, compete for a WWE contract on the "Tough Enough" show.The Saginaw News | MLive.com
mlive.comMan who killed Wisconsin doctor, her husband gets life
The man convicted in the fatal shooting of a University of Wisconsin physician and her husband in the school's arboretum was sentenced to life in prison Wednesday without the possibility of parole. Khari Sanford abducted Dr. Beth Potter, 52, and Robin Carre, 57, at gunpoint from their Madison home on March 30, 2020, and took them to the UW Arboretum where he shot both of them in the head. Sanford, 21, had been living with his girlfriend — the couple's daughter — in their home until tensions rose over coronavirus precautions.
news.yahoo.comIt’s back: Tittabawassee River flowing through Sanford Dam once again
Efforts to restore the failed Sanford Dam reached a new milestone as the water started to flow again. The Four Lakes Task Force announced this week that the Tittabawassee River is back on course and now running through the Sanford Dam. Click here to watch a drone video of the river running through the Sanford dam. In the aftermath of the flood, Sanford and Wixom lakes were largely emptied out because of the failed dams along the Tittabawassee River. The Four Lakes Task Force “Path to Four Lakes Restoration: An Engineering and Technical Symposium” will be held on Thursday, Oct. 20.
mlive.comMidland, Gladwin county commissioners approve Four Lakes Task Force special property tax assessment
Commissioners approved unanimously, by a 7-0 vote for Midland County and a 5-0 vote for Gladwin County, a Special Assessment District (S.A.D.) 10 Midland, Gladwin County commissioners approve Four Lakes Task Force special property tax assessmentCarol Healy from Gladwin was one of the speakers against the proposed payment plan, mostly because of how two of the four dams are being replaced, while the others are only seeing repairs. Smallwood and Secord, well, you’re going to repair the ‘68 Volkswagen but yet I have to pay.”While the boards could not respond to any individual speaker, the task force was able to clarify several points people were concerned about. Four Lakes Task Force Vice President Dave Rothman said that with the assessment plan in place, more tangible results should begin to form for residents to see rather quickly. On speakers questioning the task force’s transparency, Rothman says every single thing has been made available on their website, including the process they followed for the special assessment.
mlive.comPart of Laketon Avenue in Muskegon closed for water main repairs
MUSKEGON, MI – A section of Laketon Avenue in the city of Muskegon is closed this week for repairs to a water main. Laketon between Park and Sanford streets is closed for a water main leak that is being excavated and repaired, according to a city notice. Those traveling east will be detoured south on Park, east on Hackley Avenue and north on Sanford to Laketon. Westbound travelers are detoured north on Sanford, west on Southern Avenue and south on Park to Laketon. Also on MLiveGreat Lakes resurrection: Muskegon Lake transforms from industrial dump to ‘ridiculous’ potentialMan sentenced to prison as part of federal drug sting in Muskegon that nabbed six othersSubdivision planned on wooded property at Muskegon Country Club
mlive.comTo restore lakes drained after 2020 flood, two Michigan counties will weigh pricey 30-year payment plan
The proposal would involve special assessment levies that hit homeowners’ wallets in both counties for the next three decades. Of that $250 million, Gladwin and Midland county homeowners would pay about $60 million via the proposed special assessment district tax, records indicate. Officials said homeowners will pay different costs depending on their home’s proximity to the impacted lakes. Four Lakes Task Force records indicate residents at some waterfront lots would pay as much as $500 yearly beginning in 2025; other homeowners would pay as low as $125 each year. Four Lakes Task Force records show officials estimate construction and restoration of the dams would finish in 2024 at Secord and Smallwood lakes and in 2027 at Edenville and Sanford lakes.
mlive.comFlorida students win yearbook flap over 'Don't Say Gay' bill
After an outcry from students and parents over yearbook censorship, a Florida school board overruled their superintendent's plan to cover up a page showing students waving rainbow flags and a “love is love” sign during a walkout against the state's so-called “Don't Say Gay" law. The superintendent told the board that the page violated their policy by seeming to endorse a student walkout. Stickers to cover the entire page had already arrived and would be added before yearbooks are handed out this week, she said.
news.yahoo.comIce below Sanford Dam is unsafe for fishing, Michigan DNR warns
SANFORD, MI - The Michigan Department of Natural Resources urged ice fishers to avoid the ice directly beneath the Sanford Dam while ongoing construction work could cause dangerous conditions, according to a news release. A construction project organized by the Four Lakes Task Force is ongoing at the dam site through June 2022, according to the release. However, the construction could destabilize the ice and change water currents and conditions. Another construction project might follow after the current one’s completion, according to the release, which could also create conditions unsafe for ice fishing. The DNR asked ice fishers to be prepared for winter weather before heading out on the ice.
mlive.comSanford receives almost $1 million in FEMA funds to help remove damaged homes
MIDLAND COUNTY, MI - The village of Sanford will receive $931,930 in FEMA funds to cover the cost of purchasing and demolishing 14 homes damaged by the May 2020 Edenville Dam collapse, according to a news release from FEMA. The 14 damaged homes are located in the floodplain of the Tittabawassee River and their removal will help mitigate the community’s flood vulnerability, according to the release. FEMA will cover 75% of the $1,242,573 eligible project cost, with the remaining funds coming from Sanford, according to the release. FEMA will also cover $25,000 in management costs associated with the grant. Attorney for Edenville flooding victims says state engaging in delay tactics through appeals
mlive.com‘It’s a sense of community pride’ Sanford resident says as clean-up effort continues
SANFORD, MI – As the day where Sanford was under water from the dam failures fades farther into history, the clean-up efforts are ongoing. United Way of Midland County is gathering the community together to sort or get rid of the large-scale debris still left near downtown. “I feel very humbled to see the progress we’ve made and the way we’ve done it together,” President and CEO of United Way of Midland County Holly Miller said. “With United Way it’s never about us, it’s always about how we can bring the community together. “It’s a sense of community pride,” Clark said.
mlive.comSports items sale sought in case against ally of Rep. Gaetz
Thousands of dollars in sports memorabilia owned by an associate of U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz could be sold to recoup misused taxpayer money. Seminole County Attorney Bryant Applegate told the county commission last week that public money was used by former tax collector Joel Greenberg for valuable items, including memorabilia signed by the former NBA stars Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. “What I’m asking for — will be asking for — is not only the money that was used to pay for the memorabilia but also the memorabilia back so that we can sell it back out on the market,” Bryant told commissioners, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
news.yahoo.com‘Zombies’ coming to Sanford as producers prepare to shoot film in the flood-damaged community
MIDLAND, MI - The community of Sanford has been busy picking up the pieces after dealing with historic flooding in 2020. Krause and his girlfriend Megan Meyer are setting out to produce an indie zombie film in Sanford called ‘Followers’. Krause and Meyer shortly had a horde of Tik Tok followers hooked wondering if their paranormal clips were actually real. Meyer said that the Tik Tok channel had amassed over 200,000 followers in just two weeks. In the meantime, Krause and Meyer are raising funds for the film’s production on GoFundMe with an ultimate goal of $30,000.
mlive.comAn 18-year-old said her father was 'trying to embarrass' her family when he dumped 80,000 pennies on their yard for his final child support payment
Virginia teen Avery Sanford told WTVR that she hadn't spoken to her father in years when he decided to dump thousands of pennies on her family's lawn.
news.yahoo.comIonia Free Fair to return this summer following new COVID-19 guidelines
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — The Ionia County Free Fair is returning this summer after being canceled last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lisa Sanford, an Ionia veterinarian who serves as the fair’s board president, said the decision to host the event was finalized following Gov. A variety of activities are planned for fair, including live music, monster trucks, demolition derby, tractor pulls, carnival rides, a rodeo, and other free family shows. “As a longtime resident of Ionia, I know how important the Fair is to our community and understand how ready everyone is to have it return,” Sanford said. offers access to waterways, Lake Superior‘They brought the poison.’ Air Force refuses to own PFAS around OscodaGrand Rapids affordable housing developer names new CEO
mlive.comSanford bridal boutique adds exclusive Randy Fenoli line to its collection 1 year after historic mid-Michigan flood
SANFORD, MI — A year ago, like so many other businesses in Sanford, Three Diamonds Bridal Boutique was damaged in a historic flood that swept through mid-Michigan. The newly-renovated boutique, owned by Hannah Merillat and her mom, Anna Merillat, had opened five months earlier in December 2019. Three Diamonds Bridal Boutique offers inclusive sizing, ranging from 0 to 32, at a variety of price points, Hannah Merillat said. The Fenoli line will be one of the higher-end lines it carries, ranging in price from about $3,000 to $4,000, she said. To request an appointment, visit threediamondsbridal.com, call 989-430-4396 or find Three Diamonds Bridal on Facebook or Instagram.
mlive.comSanford Rising celebration showcases parade, bridal dresses and more
SANFORD, MI -- Sanford Rising kicked off events this week to celebrate how far the community has come since the Edenville and Sanford dams failed a year ago, causing the flood that caused havoc on the town. Hundreds of people gathered downtown to participate in a lineup of events on Friday. The day included a car show in Porte Park, a parade down Saginaw Road, a Jeep show in Sanford Village Park, a runaway show of bridal dresses at Three Diamonds Bridal, a hot air balloon glow and live music. Saturday will wrap up the festivities, but features a full day of things to do from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Check out the schedule on Sanford Rising’s Facebook page.
mlive.comMichigan lawmakers to unveil $500M for dam safety upgrades
The dam safety funding announcements follows the delivery of a Michigan Dam Safety Task Force report to the legislature and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in February, which warned that Michigan was on a path toward another “grave situation” absent an overhaul of dam safety regulations program and new licensing requirements for dam owners. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) has added dam safety inspection staffing following the 2020 disaster. In March, the state finished emergency work to stabilize part of the Edenville Dam. Related stories:$15M fine levied on former Edenville Dam owner‘Grave situation’ awaits Michigan without dam safety fixesDebris removed from Sanford Dam months after floodAging hazard dams force a reckoning in MichiganTimeline: The Edenville Dam saga (before, during and after)
mlive.com1 year after flood, Moolenaar proposes more federal help for small towns
This would potentially save towns like Sanford millions of dollars as they attempt to return to normalcy, Moolenaar said. “The last year’s flood and dam failures were a horrible event, and parts of the region are still recovering,” Moolenaar said. “Small communities simply do not have the resources to fully rebuild after a disaster like this.”Moolenaar plans to introduce the bill in Congress later Wednesday. “It’s been inspiring to see the way that people in the Sanford community have come together to work together,” Moolenaar said. Read more on MLive:Sanford marks first anniversary of flood, ‘one of the worst things I have lived through and also the best’Then and now drone video: A year after historic Midland County floodAttorney for Edenville flood victims: State is liable for ‘billions’ in damages$15M fine levied on former Edenville Dam owner after Midland flood
mlive.comThen and now drone video: A year after 2020′s historic Midland County flood
SANFORD, MI -- On Tuesday, May 19, Midland County and surrounding areas were drowned in floodwater from Wixom and Sanford lakes after the Edenville and Sanford dams failed. Upstream from Sanford, the Curtis Road bridge in Edenville has been rebuilt as and a temporary bridge has been put in on M-30. Plants are growing on the dry lake beds of Sanford Lake and Wixom Lake. It may be another five years before the Edenville dam is rebuilt and the water returns to Wixom Lake. Check out the video which shows side-by-side comparisons from May 2020 and May 2021.
mlive.comCheck out these free events happening in May and June 2021 across mid-Michigan
The Saginaw Art Museum is located at 1126 N. Michigan Ave.To learn more or register, visit www.saginawartmuseum.orgevent/poetryspring2021/. This free event will feature 100 vendors, Johnson’s doughnuts and other concessions. The event takes place outdoors, rain or shine. Find Riverside Art Festival 2021 on Facebook to learn more. The silent auction will feature plants, art, home and garden accessories, gift certificates and other items donated by Art & Garden Festival vendors and area businesses.
mlive.com‘A new start will happen’ 13-year-old girls says after Sanford home is restored after flood
Midland County Habitat for Humanity and United Way of Midland County paired up in a project that kicked off in January to assist families in rebuilding their homes after the major flooding disaster last year. This project, reBuild Together, is an addition to the ongoing projects associated with the Long-Term Disaster Recovery Group. Chris Billings’ home in Sanford was chosen for this revitalization project and is the first public reveal after completion. This will be the first time in the Billings’ children’s lives that they will each have their own room. A new start will happen,” she said.
mlive.comResidents urged not to burn new vegetation on lake beds near failed Edenville and Sanford dams
Vegetation should be allowed to grow wherever possible and residents should seek permission before removing plants or trees, said EGLE. EGLE is also warning residents not not burn any material unless permitted by local authorities and follow all local ordinances for waste disposal. EGLE provided a set of frequently asked questions for residents concerned about sprouting and growing vegetation, including:Can herbicides be used to control plants? The safe use of herbicides under the appropriate regulations can effectively remove unwanted vegetation and invasive plant species. It is recommended that only invasive plants be cut down to allow for native vegetation to become established.
mlive.comRetired firefighter charged with throwing fire extinguisher at officers during Capitol riots
A retired Pennsylvania firefighter was arrested by federal authorities Thursday for allegedly throwing a fire extinguisher that struck three officers in their heads during last week's assault on the U.S. Capitol. A man federal investigators identified as Robert Sanford, a retired firefighter from Pennsylvania, is pictured in a still image taken from video before allegedly hurling a fire extinguisher at police during the U.S. Capitol riots. A criminal complaint identifies Sanford as the man seen on video hurling the fire extinguisher at officers. In it, Sanford is seen wearing a "CFD" hat, an image seen on social media. Robert Sanford, a retired firefighter with the Chester, Pennsylvania Fire Department, allegedly hurled a fire extinguisher at police during the Jan. 6 Capitol riots.
cbsnews.comThe Latest: Prosecutors: Arkansas man beat cop with flagpole
As of Thursday, there are roughly 7,000 Guard members in Washington, with thousands more on the way. Officials say Guard members from all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia, are deploying to the city. As of Thursday, there are roughly 7,000 Guard members in Washington, with thousands more on the way. Officials say 3,000 to 4,000 of those Guard members are armed. Pentagon officials approved requests to have some Guard members armed with either long guns or handguns, particularly those Guard members assigned near the U.S. Capitol.
Investigators seek more firsthand accounts of May 2020 Edenville Dam collapse
MIDLAND, MI - A federally created team investigating the failure of the Edenville and Sanford dams is asking Michigan residents to provide firsthand accounts of the Edenville Dam’s condition on the day of the collapse. The team asks anyone with firsthand observations, photos or videos of the embankment to reach out to it through email at michigan.dams.forensics@gmail.com. Heavy spring rain led to the failure of the Edenville Dam near the Gladwin-Midland county line and subsequently led to the failure of Sanford Dam downstream in Midland County. The dam collapse caused flooding that initially displaced 10,000 people, damaged thousands of homes and caused more than $200 million in property damage. Read more:Through pandemic, floods and protests, these Michiganders helped all of us weather 2020Michigan town devastated by 500-year flood pulls together to rebuild communityEdenville and Sanford Dam investigators put out call for information
mlive.comDry lakebeds pose risks to adventurers in Michigan’s Midland area
Or rather, what was Sanford and Wixom Lake. In May, the failure of the Edenville and Sanford dams led to the drainage of Sanford and Wixom Lake. While a smaller river continues to run through the lakebeds, new, hazardous features have been uncovered. “Winter changes everything, if it’s snowing and you can’t see very far,” Gladwin County Emergency Director Robert North told the Midland Daily News. These two construction projects make the Tobacco River arm of Wixom Lake unusually dangerous this winter.
A Sanford flood survivor tells her story of recovery from mid-Michigan dam failures
SANFORD, MI - Rebecca Johnson and Autumn Pontseele’s home in Sanford was one of more than 4,000 in Midland County impacted in May by a devastating flood after the Edenville and Sanford dams failed and millions of gallons of muddy water poured downstream. Their home in Sanford, located just northwest of the city of Midland, was severely damaged. They were featured in recent story by Mlive/The Saginaw News as they picked up the pieces. Check out the video above to hear their journey of recovery and rebuilding that’s occurred in the months following the disaster. 60 Sanford family gets life back on track in wake of mid-Michigan floodRead more flood coverage here:Flood and mud destroyed their home, but now a Michigan family has reason to celebrateMichigan town devastated by 500-year flood pulls together to rebuild communitySee progress in Midland County 6 months after historic floodDebris removed from Sanford Dam months after flooding disasterVolunteers rally to help Midland area pick up the pieces after devastating floods‘Our whole life is gone,’ says woman whose Sanford home was washed away in Midland floods‘We lost our whole town:’ Sanford salvages what’s left after flood destroys homes and businessesHow a spring rainstorm became a 500-year flood event in mid-MichiganEconomic impact, future of failed dam’s repair weigh heavy on residents around Wixom LakeSaginaw County residents sort out life and their belongings after mid-Michigan flooding
mlive.comMichigan town devastated by 500-year flood pulls together to rebuild community
It’s been a big group effort.”The Edenville and Sanford dam failures displaced thousands of people in mid-Michigan during the COVID-19 pandemic and destroyed homes, businesses and infrastructure. Tonia Uphold’s family is one of the hundreds in Midland County who were forced into temporary housing after the flood. “Flood recovery has really ramped up the last couple of months. For Brady, he still has a vivid memory of Sanford “like a ghost town” in the wake of the flood. Brady said he received some grants to help rebuild his restaurant, but no insurance payments or FEMA disaster money.
mlive.comTask force to buy Edenville, other Boyce Hydro dams for $1.5M
The Four Lakes Task Force announced on Wednesday, Nov. 18, that it will pay $1,576,000 to Boyce Hydro for the Edenville, Sanford, Smallwood and Secord dams. The settlement stems from condemnation proceedings initiated by the task force, which began taking steps in July to obtain the dams through eminent domain powers. Larry Kogan, an attorney for Boyce, called the deal with Four Lakes Task Force a “prudent decision” that allows the group to begin winterizing the dams before bad weather arrives. In September, the Four Lakes Task Force estimated it could cost $338 million to repair all four dams. The task force expects to complete a feasibility study by April and hopes to restore the lakes to pre-flood levels by 2025.
mlive.comDebris removed from Sanford Dam months after flooding disaster
SANFORD, MI — A six-month-old pile of flooding debris in Midland County is finally being cleaned up after the failure of two mid-Michigan dams this spring. Fisher Contracting crews began removing trashed boats, sunken canoes, lawn furniture, propane tanks, broken docks and many tree pieces from the Sanford Dam this week. “This is all material that came down from both lakes and piled up behind this dam structure,” said Bill Gebo, Four Lakes Task Force project coordinator. Substantial debris accumulated at the Sanford Dam, which itself was overtopped by floodwaters from the Wixom and Sanford Lake impoundments that were unleashed when the earthen dyke in Edenville collapsed. People with items in the debris pile have been prohibited from retrieving them out of concern doing so could shift the pile and cause further damage to the dam.
mlive.comRestoring Edenville, Sanford dams and lakes after flood could cost some property owners $90,000 or more
The Four Lakes Task Force, the nonprofit “delegated authority” for the dams' maintenance and operations, released a report on Sept. 10 to update the public on the dams and nearby lakes. The Edenville Dam failed May 19 after heavy rainfall, devastating the neighboring areas and draining Wixom and Sanford lakes and damaging Sanford Lake dam. The Edenville Dam would require most of the funds at about $208 million, and the Sanford Dam needs another $92 million chunk. The order is to partially breach the Edenville Dam’s Tobacco River spillway to improve the stability of the Tobacco River portion of the Edenville Dam. Ahead of the dam safety operations review, the state announced that it was hiring a third dam safety engineer.
mlive.comMichigan department publishes dam failure report
The report provides an update on the ongoing investigation into the Edenville Dam, plans to restore the Tobacco River's flow and the lack of coordination with the dams' owner Boyce Hydro. But while awaiting the conclusion of the investigation, EGLE provided the first of a series of reports requested by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer that will provide information about how the dam failures came to be and reviewing dam safety policies in Michigan. The report doesn’t address any parties at fault for the dam failures, but addresses what EGLE will do next to address the safety concerns left by the Edenville dam. Read more: Frustrated Michigan officials issue emergency order to Edenville Dam owners ignoring deadlines
LIVE STREAM: Michigan officials provide update on flooding aftermath in Midland County
MIDLAND COUNTY, Mich. – 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. – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will offer an update on the state’s response to the devastating floods in Midland County last month. Whitmer will provide a brief update alongside local officials on the state’s 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.
More mid-Michigan residents sue Edenville, Sanford dam owners after flooding devastation
DETROIT – 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. Tuesday’s 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.
Debris line neighborhoods in mid-Michigan as community deals with damage from devastating floods
MIDLAND COUNTY, Mich. – 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.
Purchase agreement for Tittabawasee River dams nixed after flood
click to enlarge Rusty YoungA damaged house from flooding. Last weeks dam failures on the Tittabawasee River during a weather event that dumped between 6 inches and 8 inches of rain in a 48-hour time period has nullified a planned purchase of the privately owned dams.Four Lakes Task Force (FLTF) was within weeks of finalizing its purchase of four dams currently owned by Boyce Hydro, including the Edenville and Sanford dams. Additional funding outside the Special Assessment District would have been sought before attempting to receive approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to once again employ the dams to generate hydroelectricity.We are reassessing the path forward to acquire the Boyce property and rebuild our dams and lakes. "We know this is a personal and economic hardship on everyone, and we will not be pursuing funding that would result in an assessment at this time. We will seek other sources of public and private funding."
metrotimes.comSanford woman kayaks to floating home swept away by flood to recover mother’s ashes
Sanford woman kayaks to floating home swept away by flood to recover mother’s ashesPublished: May 23, 2020, 11:13 pmParsch and her friends are looking for her home in Sanford after it was swept away by the floods. When they first returned to the home’s location, they discovered only the foundation remained.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer adds 3 counties to flood-related state of emergency
Gretchen Whitmer has added three counties to her state of emergency issued as a result of two dam failures that caused devastating floods in the middle of the state. Arenac, Gladwin and Saginaw counties have been added to the state of emergency that was issued for Midland County. “I have declared an emergency to provide much needed assistance and have added Arenac, Gladwin and Saginaw counties to the declaration to ensure access to critical resources. (WDIV)Officials evacuated 750 Saginaw County residents, 500 Arenac County residents and more than 100 Gladwin County residents due to rising waters. By adding them to the state of emergency, Whitmer allows these three counties to receive law enforcement and shelter support, road repair help, search and rescue services and more.
Red Cross shelters open to help residents impacted by devastating mid-Michigan floods
MIDLAND COUNTY, Mich. – 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:
Trump declares emergency for flooded Michigan communities
President Donald Trump, who was in Michigan to visit a Ford production plant, signed an emergency declaration authorizing the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate disaster relief efforts. In Midland, 61 people spent Wednesday night and Thursday morning in temporary shelters, according to city spokeswoman Selina Tisdale. That number — mostly the elderly and families — dwindled throughout Thursday as floodwaters receded and some residents were able to return home, she said. Much of the area remained underwater, including in Midland, the headquarters of Dow Chemical Co. And floodwaters continued to threaten downstream communities. “And my hat’s off to Midland.”Other area residents returned to their homes to find heavy damage.
Investigating who is responsible for Edenville Dam failure that led to devastating floods
EDENVILLE, Mich. – The Local 4 Defenders have uncovered new information about who is responsible for the failure of the Edenville Dam, which led to catastrophic floods in mid-Michigan. The owners of the Edenville Dam have been cited by federal regulators since 2004 for safety issues. The company that owns the aging, crumbling 96-year-old dam, Boyce Hydro, was cited for years for its failure to increase the project spillway capacity. Lack of investment in dam infrastructure is not uncommon in Michigan dams, which have suffered from deferred maintenance over the course of decades. That, combined with the historic rainfall and flooding, were factors in the Edenville Dam failure."
Sanford hit hardest by dam failures, flooding in mid-Michigan
SANFORD, Mich. – The catastrophic flooding caused by two dam failures in mid-Michigan has affected multiple communities, but nobody has been hit harder than the small town of Sanford. After the Edenville Dam collapsed, all eyes turned to the Sanford Dam, which had water and debris pressing up against it. She said the community of 800 people is going to need help. “There’s a lot of debris floating in the lake.”She said the first job is to remove the debris forced up against the Sanford Dam. Red Cross officials are also at the scene to help residents.
Touring the destruction caused by dam failures in mid-Michigan from the above
MIDLAND COUNTY, Mich. – In an event like this, you really get the true scope of what’s happened from the air -- the damage runs on for miles. RELATED: Aerial video shows complete devastation caused by dam failures in mid-MichiganThe images are chilling -- buildings are submerged and towns have become lakes because the dams couldn’t withstand the rising water. RELATED: ‘Catastrophic’ flooding, evacuations in mid-Michigan as dams fail: What to knowIn Edenville, roads are washed away with big chunks missing. In Midland -- the area’s largest city -- water rose around the three-way pedestrian bridge landmark in the city’s downtown. MORE: Tim Pamplin tours mid-Michigan flood damage: ‘Roof of a house.
‘2020 has been one blow after another’ -- Midland Farmers Market hit by flood day before reopening
Homes, businesses, bridges and more destroyed by flooding after two dam failures. RELATED: Dam failures lead to devastating floods across mid-MichiganThe green roof of Midland Farmer’s Market is the only part that’s visible from under eight to 10 feet of water. "We just want to get going.”Mark and Kathy Hatzner are one of the 80 vendors that would have been at the market, making money for the first time in months. “I’m thinking about the people and their houses," Kathy Hatzner said. "Their homes are destroyed.”The long term damage- - both physically and fiscally -- can’t be known yet, but Lyon knows they’ll rebuild again.
Michigan hit with '500-year' flooding in midst of COVID-19 pandemic
Experts are describing this as a 500-year event, Whitmer told a news conference after a tour of the flood-hit areas. A general view shows a flooded street along the Tittabawassee River, after several dams breached, in downtown Midland, Michigan, U.S., May 20, 2020. REUTERS/Rebecca CookTheres an ongoing flooding in parts of Midland with several feet of water, covering some streets of downtown Midland, NWS meteorologist Andrew Arnold told Reuters. Video posted on social media showed high waters lapping around buildings in downtown Midland, partly submerging bridges and roads. Bone said the village of Sanford, the site of one of the dams, has been hit the hardest.
feeds.reuters.comTouring the destruction caused by dam failures in mid-Michigan from the above
Touring the destruction caused by dam failures in mid-Michigan from the abovePublished: May 20, 2020, 5:25 pmIn an event like this, you really get the true scope of what’s happened from the air -- the damage runs on for miles.
Catastrophic floods completely destroy roads around Midland County
EDENVILLE, Mich. – Catastrophic flooding caused by two dam failures in Midland County have completely destroyed many of the roads in the area. The Edenville Dam, which federal officials had concerns about and stripped of its license, gave way after about nine inches of rain. A gas station owner at the corner said the water came through at 5 p.m. Tuesday, taking out the bridge and a nearby home. The power of the water when it came through was enough to blow holes in the road and warp the guardrail. Sections of the entire bridge are gone, with flowing water visible below.
Dam failures lead to devastating floods across mid-Michigan
BEAVERTON, Mich. – After dam failures, parts of mid-Michigan could be under 9 feet of water, Gov. Whitmer provides update on flooding, dam breach in mid-MichiganA State of Emergency has been declared for Midland County after two dams failed. The Edenville Dam broke and the Sanford Dam was breached late last night, but it did not break. When the Edenleville Dam failed and the Sanford Dam was breached, water took out bridges, houses, businesses and more. Some residents have compared it to the flooding in 2017 and 1986, but they believe the dam failures are worse.
Shocking mid-Michigan flood pictures show ravaged roads, underwater houses, floating cars
Published: May 20, 2020, 11:10 amMIDLAND COUNTY, Mich. – Catastrophic flooding caused by dam failure in mid-Michigan has left shocking damage to roads, houses and entire cities in the area. A clear look at a road torn apart by water in Midland County on May 20, 2020. (WDIV)A car floating in the middle of flood water in Midland County on May 20, 2020. (WDIV)The high flood levels in Midland County on May 20, 2020. (WDIV)A building underwater in Midland County on May 20, 2020.
Tim Pamplin tours mid-Michigan flood damage: ‘Roof of a house. No idea where rest of the house is’
Published: May 20, 2020, 10:35 am Updated: May 20, 2020, 12:22 pmMIDLAND COUNTY, Mich. – Local 4′s Tim Pamplin is in mid-Michigan to see the damage caused by two dam failures that led to catastrophic flooding across the area. AERIAL VIDEO: Complete devastation caused by dam failures in mid-Michigan“Beyond these bushes you see the roof of a house,” Tim said. He went to Downtown Sanford, finding the post office and restaurants almost completely underwater. Live reports all day on @Local4News pic.twitter.com/0deTDn0MwU — @Nightcam (@nightcam) May 20, 2020UPDATE: downtown Sanford is under water after several dams and levees fail. @Local4News pic.twitter.com/486IlfmJyk — @Nightcam (@nightcam) May 20, 2020
Aerial video shows complete devastation caused by dam failures in mid-Michigan
Published: May 20, 2020, 9:55 am Updated: May 20, 2020, 10:38 amMIDLAND COUNTY, Mich. – Local 4 has new video of the devastating damage and flooding caused by multiple dam failures in mid-Michigan. Aerial video from Sky 4 shows the state of Midland County around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday. The Edenville Dam has broken and the Sanford Dam has been breached, officials said. No idea where rest of the house is’“This is unlike anything we’ve seen in Midland County,” she said. Families living along the Tittabawassee River and connected lakes in Midland County were ordered Tuesday evening to leave home.
Owners of dam flooding Midland ignored federal regulators for years
click to enlarge ShutterstockAs if things weren't already bad enough in Michigan, on Tuesday, dams in Edenville and Sanford flooded. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency in Midland County and ordered all residents to evacuate the area immediately. "It may be unlike anything we've ever seen, but federal regulators saw this coming. In 2017, after a dam in Oroville, California was breached,warned "Michigan's aging, crumbling dams pose a risk. As of press time, Mueller, who lives in Las Vegas, had not commented on the crisis his dam caused in Michigan.
metrotimes.comTrump to meet with economic advisers as coronavirus pummels markets
U.S. President Donald Trump descends from Air Force One at Orlando Sanford International Airport in Sanford, Florida, U.S., March 9, 2020. REUTERS/Tom BrennerWASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump will meet with U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and other economic officials later on Monday to weigh possible actions to stem the fallout over the coronavirus, an administration official told Reuters. The Trump administration is weighing a number of potential policy steps, including paid sick leave, the official said. Trump and his economic team have the tools to keep this economy going strong, U.S. Health Secretary Alex Azar told reporters at the White House on Monday. Oil markets also plunged as oil producing countries fought over how to cope with the outbreak of the virus.
feeds.reuters.comTrump to meet with economic advisers amid coronavirus fallout: official
U.S. President Donald Trump descends from Air Force One at Orlando Sanford International Airport in Sanford, Florida, U.S., March 9, 2020. REUTERS/Tom BrennerWASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump will meet with U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and other economic officials later on Monday to weigh possible actions to stem the fallout over the coronavirus, an administration official told Reuters. The Trump administration is weighing a number of potential policy steps, including paid sick leave, the official said.
feeds.reuters.comSanford Health Entities to Pay $20.25 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations Regarding Kickbacks and Unnecessary Spinal Surgeries
The Department of Justice announced today that hospital entities Sanford Health, Sanford Medical Center, and Sanford Clinic (collectively, Sanford), of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, have agreed to pay $20.25 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations that they knowingly submitted false claims to federal healthcare programs resulting from violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute and medically unnecessary spinal surgeries. The CIA requires, among other things, that Sanford maintain a compliance program, implement a risk assessment program, and hire an Independent Review Organization to review Medicare and Medicaid claims at Sanford Medical Center. It also increases individual accountability by requiring compliance-related certifications from Sanford Medical Centers board of directors and key executives. Patients in government healthcare programs rightly expect that surgeries are medically indicated, not performed to increase provider profits.The settlement resolves allegations originally brought in a lawsuit filed by Drs. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
justice.govMark Sanford calls Iowa 'Buckeye state' ahead of visit
The South Carolina Republican tweeted about an upcoming trip to Iowa, the first-in-the-nation caucus state -- but called it by a nickname for Ohio. "Will be going to Iowa next week and would love your wisdom on local perspectives if you are from the Buckeye state!" Iowa is the Hawkeye State, while Ohio is the Buckeye State. Iowa isn't the only key state that Sanford has in his sights. When asked why he is considering a run, Sanford said there is "no discussion of debt, deficit and government spending in Washington these days."