Northern Michigan is Facing Disaster Due to Winter Weather
April 04, 2025
On March 30th, a severe blizzard ripped through most parts of Northern Michigan. The events that followed were “nothing short of catastrophic”, according to Michigan State Police spokesperson Kim Vetter.
Immediately following the blizzard’s destruction, Michigan Governor Grechen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for counties still without power and those who cannot operate as normal. Those counties include Otsego, Oscoda, Montmorency, Presque Isle, Emmet, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Mackinac and Alpena.
Government Assistance
Many state officials are taking the time to ensure these northern locations are not cleaning up alone. Gov. Whitmer announced a special tax relief on counties that have entered a state of emergency to deal with the damage. This applies to 12 counties and encompasses both individual and business taxes.
The Michigan National Guard also stands at the ready. Having mobilized over 800 members from Camp Grayling to several locations in need. U.S. Army Maj. Paul D. Rogers declared that some Guardsmen are helping to clear the roads; others are ensuring food is delivered to areas that otherwise would not be able to access the necessity. However, there is still plenty to do. Lieutenant Colonel Alex Kashenider says, “We still have soldiers deployed, getting things cleaned up. We’re getting to a good point, I think, but we are still committed to the mission.”
How to Help
To help those in need, Michigan Credit Union League and Affiliates has begun a donation campaign. 100% of the donations will be going back to the emergency communities and “The MCUF Ice Storm Relief Fund will provide $500 direct grants to credit union members in areas hardest hit by the storm.”
For people who prefer mailing a check, they accept using this address:
Michigan Credit Union Foundation
Attn: Accounting Re: MCUF Ice Storm
P.O. Box 190
Royal Oak, MI 48068
Other committees determined to help include The Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan, The Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation, and The Otsego Community Foundation.
If you are one of the Michiganders impacted, citizens needing non-emergency assistance can call 211 and should contact the treasury for tax relief services.