An ice storm that wracked northern Michigan in late March destroyed thousands of trees at Maple Dale Farm. Federal officials have not approved aid to homeowners or utilities in the storm’s wake.
(Ed. Note: This story was originally published by Bridge Michigan, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. Visit the newsroom online: bridgemi.com.)
By Simon D. Schuster
Bridge Michigan
LANSING — Months after an ice storm rocked Michigan’s northern lower peninsula, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is appealing aid denials by the Federal Emergency Management Agency that have prevented residents and utilities from directly seeking government assistance.
President Donald Trump last month announced he would approve $50 million in assistance for storm recovery efforts. But the federal disaster aid approval was limited: FEMA approved assistance to state, local, tribal and territorial governments and certain private-non-profit organizations.
Whitmer had also requested federal aid for individual households and public utilities, along with Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding to make changes to lessen the impact of a similar storm in the future.
Those requests were not approved, meaning residents who saw ice-covered trees fall on their homes cannot apply directly for federal aid.
In a Monday appeal letter to FEMA, Whitmer said many of the residents in the region were “vulnerable to disasters and will struggle to recover from its impacts.”
“Michigan families and businesses deserve the support they need to recover from these storms,” Whitmer said in a statement, noting many Michiganders were “still reeling” from the storm’s impacts.
The storm encased a broad swatch of the northern lower peninsula and southern tip of the upper peninsula in inches of ice in late months, knocking down millions of trees, damaging homes and businesses, and devastating electrical infrastructure in the region. Many residents in the largely rural area spent days to weeks without power.
As an example of the need for further aid, Whitmer noted cooperative utility Presque Isle Electric & Gas, which has about 35,000 customers, suffered an estimated $150 million in damages. Without federal assistance, those costs “will have to be repaid by their members through surcharges and rate increases” totaling “at least $4,500 per household.”
The governor’s appeal has bipartisan backing from other elected officials representing the region, including both of the state’s Democratic U.S. senators and U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, a Republican from Watersmeet who said in a statement he “strongly” supports the appeal.
Whitmer visited Trump in the White House in early August, days after the White House had officially approved a disaster declaration for the state, and said she discussed “ongoing recovery efforts” from the ice storm while also lobbying him on potential Medicaid changes and auto tariffs.
It was the Democratic governor’s third White House meeting with the Republican president this year. Whitmer contends those meetings have borne fruit, pointing to funding for a new fighter jet mission at Selfridge Air National Guard Base and plans for an Illinois barrier meant to keep invasive Asian carp from the Great Lakes.
In her letter to Michael Chesney, FEMA’s acting administrator for the region, Whitmer noted the storm was the first time Michigan has ever requested help from other states under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, a mutual aid agreement between states that Michigan joined in 2002.
“The State of Michigan exhausted all available avenues to address the needs created by this incident before requesting federal assistance,” Whitmer wrote.
“The requirements of this major disaster continue to be outside the scope of what the state and local governments, augmented by assistance from other states, non-governmental organizations and the private sector, can shoulder.”
By Simon D. Schuster
Bridge Michigan
LANSING — Months after an ice storm rocked Michigan’s northern lower peninsula, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is appealing aid denials by the Federal Emergency Management Agency that have prevented residents and utilities from directly seeking government assistance.
President Donald Trump last month announced he would approve $50 million in assistance for storm recovery efforts. But the federal disaster aid approval was limited: FEMA approved assistance to state, local, tribal and territorial governments and certain private-non-profit organizations.
Whitmer had also requested federal aid for individual households and public utilities, along with Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding to make changes to lessen the impact of a similar storm in the future.
Those requests were not approved, meaning residents who saw ice-covered trees fall on their homes cannot apply directly for federal aid.
In a Monday appeal letter to FEMA, Whitmer said many of the residents in the region were “vulnerable to disasters and will struggle to recover from its impacts.”
“Michigan families and businesses deserve the support they need to recover from these storms,” Whitmer said in a statement, noting many Michiganders were “still reeling” from the storm’s impacts.
The storm encased a broad swatch of the northern lower peninsula and southern tip of the upper peninsula in inches of ice in late months, knocking down millions of trees, damaging homes and businesses, and devastating electrical infrastructure in the region. Many residents in the largely rural area spent days to weeks without power.
As an example of the need for further aid, Whitmer noted cooperative utility Presque Isle Electric & Gas, which has about 35,000 customers, suffered an estimated $150 million in damages. Without federal assistance, those costs “will have to be repaid by their members through surcharges and rate increases” totaling “at least $4,500 per household.”
The governor’s appeal has bipartisan backing from other elected officials representing the region, including both of the state’s Democratic U.S. senators and U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, a Republican from Watersmeet who said in a statement he “strongly” supports the appeal.
Whitmer visited Trump in the White House in early August, days after the White House had officially approved a disaster declaration for the state, and said she discussed “ongoing recovery efforts” from the ice storm while also lobbying him on potential Medicaid changes and auto tariffs.
It was the Democratic governor’s third White House meeting with the Republican president this year. Whitmer contends those meetings have borne fruit, pointing to funding for a new fighter jet mission at Selfridge Air National Guard Base and plans for an Illinois barrier meant to keep invasive Asian carp from the Great Lakes.
In her letter to Michael Chesney, FEMA’s acting administrator for the region, Whitmer noted the storm was the first time Michigan has ever requested help from other states under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, a mutual aid agreement between states that Michigan joined in 2002.
“The State of Michigan exhausted all available avenues to address the needs created by this incident before requesting federal assistance,” Whitmer wrote.
“The requirements of this major disaster continue to be outside the scope of what the state and local governments, augmented by assistance from other states, non-governmental organizations and the private sector, can shoulder.”
Labor Day Walk on Mackinac Bridge Monday
The 67th annual Bridge Walk on the Mackinac Bridge will take place next Monday morning
The Mackinac Bridge will be closed to public traffic from 6:30 a.m. to noon on Monday to accommodate the Bridge Walk.
About 30,000 walkers took part in last year’s Bridge Walk, according to the Mackinac Bridge Authority.
There is no fee or registration required to participate in the walk. The walk begins at 7 a.m. You may start walking any time after the governor’s party starts the walk at approximately 7 a.m. No one will be permitted to start after 11:30 a.m., so make sure you arrive early.
The walk begins in St. Ignace at the north end of the Mackinac Bridge in the Upper Peninsula, and in Mackinaw City at the south end of the bridge in the Lower Peninsula. To participate in the walk you may:
• Walk from either end of the bridge, turning around at the midpoint and returning to the city you started from, where your transportation is located. The turnaround points will move towards the ends of the bridge beginning at 10 a.m., but walkers can walk at least a portion of the bridge if you start by 11:30 a.m. Walkers must be on the side of the bridge they wish to return to before 10 a.m. or you will be turned back.
• Walk from either end of the bridge and continue across to the other side. This option is most like previous bridge walks. However, since bus transportation across the bridge will not be provided, walkers who choose this option will need to arrange for their own transportation back across after the bridge reopens at noon. Walkers who do not reach the midpoint of the bridge before 10 a.m. will be turned back.
• Walk from either end of the bridge, continuing across to the other side, then walking back to the end of the bridge you started from. This option will mean a 10-mile round trip for participants. If walkers in this option do not reach the midpoint of the bridge on their return trip by 10 a.m. will be turned back.
Walkers will use the left-hand outside paved lane as they walk onto the bridge, regardless of which end of the bridge they start from. Walkers who turn back at the midpoint will turn right, then return using the opposite side outside paved lane. Walkers who choose to cross the entire bridge will stay in the left-hand outside paved lane all the way across.
The Michigan State Police and other official personnel will be available in the event of an emergency.
Please note, there are no restrooms on the bridge and the average length of time to walk the bridge is about two hours. Portable toilets will be available in St. Ignace and Mackinaw City.
Baby strollers and wheelchairs are allowed on the bridge during the walk. Prohibited items include signs, banners, umbrellas, bicycles, roller skates, skateboards, wagons and similar types of devices. With the sole exception of working service dogs, no animals are allowed. Walkers must stay away from bridge railings. The inside lane in both directions will remain open for emergency vehicles.
No bus transportation across the bridge will be provided as part of the event. Walkers who decide to walk across the entire bridge will need to arrange their own transportation back to the end of the bridge where they started after the bridge reopens to public traffic at noon. There is limited parking space available west of the Mackinac Bridge Authority plaza area.
For those seeking alternative transportation during the event, the local Mackinac Island ferry companies offer transportation between St. Ignace, Mackinaw City, and Mackinac Island.
Local transportation companies also offer shuttle service between various locations.
Except for pre-qualified, registered participants in the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness Run, no running or racing is permitted on the bridge. Playing tag on the bridge is not permitted and no smoking on the bridge, please. For information on the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness Run, please go to www.michiganfitness.org or contact the Governor’s Council at (517) 347-7891.
You will receive a numbered bridge walk certificate at the completion of your walk. Certificates will be distributed at both ends of the bridge. Individuals under the age of 18 should have the permission of a parent or guardian to participate in the walk. Any two or more people walking together should make plans for a meeting place in the event that they become separated during the walk.
The Mackinac Bridge will be closed to public traffic from 6:30 a.m. to noon on Monday to accommodate the Bridge Walk.
About 30,000 walkers took part in last year’s Bridge Walk, according to the Mackinac Bridge Authority.
There is no fee or registration required to participate in the walk. The walk begins at 7 a.m. You may start walking any time after the governor’s party starts the walk at approximately 7 a.m. No one will be permitted to start after 11:30 a.m., so make sure you arrive early.
The walk begins in St. Ignace at the north end of the Mackinac Bridge in the Upper Peninsula, and in Mackinaw City at the south end of the bridge in the Lower Peninsula. To participate in the walk you may:
• Walk from either end of the bridge, turning around at the midpoint and returning to the city you started from, where your transportation is located. The turnaround points will move towards the ends of the bridge beginning at 10 a.m., but walkers can walk at least a portion of the bridge if you start by 11:30 a.m. Walkers must be on the side of the bridge they wish to return to before 10 a.m. or you will be turned back.
• Walk from either end of the bridge and continue across to the other side. This option is most like previous bridge walks. However, since bus transportation across the bridge will not be provided, walkers who choose this option will need to arrange for their own transportation back across after the bridge reopens at noon. Walkers who do not reach the midpoint of the bridge before 10 a.m. will be turned back.
• Walk from either end of the bridge, continuing across to the other side, then walking back to the end of the bridge you started from. This option will mean a 10-mile round trip for participants. If walkers in this option do not reach the midpoint of the bridge on their return trip by 10 a.m. will be turned back.
Walkers will use the left-hand outside paved lane as they walk onto the bridge, regardless of which end of the bridge they start from. Walkers who turn back at the midpoint will turn right, then return using the opposite side outside paved lane. Walkers who choose to cross the entire bridge will stay in the left-hand outside paved lane all the way across.
The Michigan State Police and other official personnel will be available in the event of an emergency.
Please note, there are no restrooms on the bridge and the average length of time to walk the bridge is about two hours. Portable toilets will be available in St. Ignace and Mackinaw City.
Baby strollers and wheelchairs are allowed on the bridge during the walk. Prohibited items include signs, banners, umbrellas, bicycles, roller skates, skateboards, wagons and similar types of devices. With the sole exception of working service dogs, no animals are allowed. Walkers must stay away from bridge railings. The inside lane in both directions will remain open for emergency vehicles.
No bus transportation across the bridge will be provided as part of the event. Walkers who decide to walk across the entire bridge will need to arrange their own transportation back to the end of the bridge where they started after the bridge reopens to public traffic at noon. There is limited parking space available west of the Mackinac Bridge Authority plaza area.
For those seeking alternative transportation during the event, the local Mackinac Island ferry companies offer transportation between St. Ignace, Mackinaw City, and Mackinac Island.
Local transportation companies also offer shuttle service between various locations.
Except for pre-qualified, registered participants in the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness Run, no running or racing is permitted on the bridge. Playing tag on the bridge is not permitted and no smoking on the bridge, please. For information on the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness Run, please go to www.michiganfitness.org or contact the Governor’s Council at (517) 347-7891.
You will receive a numbered bridge walk certificate at the completion of your walk. Certificates will be distributed at both ends of the bridge. Individuals under the age of 18 should have the permission of a parent or guardian to participate in the walk. Any two or more people walking together should make plans for a meeting place in the event that they become separated during the walk.
Partnership Celebrates Five Years of Serving OIder Adults
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is celebrating five years of partnership with GetSetUp, a community-driven service that transforms the lives of older Michigan residents through virtual resources.
Having reached more than half a million residents so far with more than 1.5 million virtual class attendees, GetSetUp is helping residents stay healthy, connected and informed across all 83 Michigan counties.
Since 2020, this innovative collaboration has addressed some of the state’s most urgent aging challenges — including digital literacy, social isolation, economic security and equitable access to health resources — by leveraging the power of peer-to-peer virtual learning.
“In a state as geographically and demographically diverse as Michigan, GetSetUp has helped us close the digital divide and offer consistent, accessible wellness and learning opportunities to older adults in every community,” MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel said. “This platform reflects our values of dignity, independence and inclusion and continues to deliver on the goals outlined in Michigan’s State Plan on Aging.”
GetSetUp is an online platform for aging adults, ensuring opportunities exist at every age. Through expert sessions led by older adults for older adults as well as vibrant community interactions, the initiative inspires continuous learning, holistic well-being and a renewed sense of purpose, turning aging into a time of abundant growth and connection.
GetSetUp’s programming mirrors the goals of the Michigan State Plan on Aging by addressing topics that include:
• Affordable housing and aging in place – virtual classes on budgeting, mobility and health empower older adults to thrive safely at home.
• Health and well-being – mindfulness, fitness and disease prevention classes support healthier lifestyles.
• Caregiver support – sessions on dementia, stress management and community tools provide meaningful relief and guidance.
• Access to services and bridging the digital divide – tech tutorials and state program resources ensure older adults know how and where to get help.
• Social inclusion – with daily social sessions on topics ranging from coffee chats, creative groups and interest circles, participants are able to receive the positive benefits of community connection and regular social interactions.
The MDHHS-GetSetUp model is cost-effective and adaptable, reaching an audience of millions over the last two years alone. By reaching those in assisted living communities and rural homes, the platform has expanded partnerships with Area Agencies on Aging (AAA), the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency and more across the state.
Looking ahead, MDHHS and GetSetUp will continue to expand the initiative, enhance culturally inclusive programming and offer new courses on artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship and fraud prevention.
Having reached more than half a million residents so far with more than 1.5 million virtual class attendees, GetSetUp is helping residents stay healthy, connected and informed across all 83 Michigan counties.
Since 2020, this innovative collaboration has addressed some of the state’s most urgent aging challenges — including digital literacy, social isolation, economic security and equitable access to health resources — by leveraging the power of peer-to-peer virtual learning.
“In a state as geographically and demographically diverse as Michigan, GetSetUp has helped us close the digital divide and offer consistent, accessible wellness and learning opportunities to older adults in every community,” MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel said. “This platform reflects our values of dignity, independence and inclusion and continues to deliver on the goals outlined in Michigan’s State Plan on Aging.”
GetSetUp is an online platform for aging adults, ensuring opportunities exist at every age. Through expert sessions led by older adults for older adults as well as vibrant community interactions, the initiative inspires continuous learning, holistic well-being and a renewed sense of purpose, turning aging into a time of abundant growth and connection.
GetSetUp’s programming mirrors the goals of the Michigan State Plan on Aging by addressing topics that include:
• Affordable housing and aging in place – virtual classes on budgeting, mobility and health empower older adults to thrive safely at home.
• Health and well-being – mindfulness, fitness and disease prevention classes support healthier lifestyles.
• Caregiver support – sessions on dementia, stress management and community tools provide meaningful relief and guidance.
• Access to services and bridging the digital divide – tech tutorials and state program resources ensure older adults know how and where to get help.
• Social inclusion – with daily social sessions on topics ranging from coffee chats, creative groups and interest circles, participants are able to receive the positive benefits of community connection and regular social interactions.
The MDHHS-GetSetUp model is cost-effective and adaptable, reaching an audience of millions over the last two years alone. By reaching those in assisted living communities and rural homes, the platform has expanded partnerships with Area Agencies on Aging (AAA), the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency and more across the state.
Looking ahead, MDHHS and GetSetUp will continue to expand the initiative, enhance culturally inclusive programming and offer new courses on artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship and fraud prevention.
