Mid-Michigan Faces Severe Storm Threat as Tornado Victims Identified; Lansing Data Center Plan Draws Opposition

Forecasters are monitoring the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms across mid-Michigan late Tuesday through early Wednesday morning.

The Storm Prediction Center has placed much of the Lansing area in a slight risk category for severe weather, with an elevated tornado threat for areas along and south of Interstate 94.

The outlook comes just days after a deadly tornado outbreak struck southwest Michigan. Authorities have now identified the four victims killed in Friday’s storms.

Officials say 63-year-old William Akers, 54-year-old Keri Anderson, and 65-year-old Penny Jo Guthrie died in the tornado that struck Branch County. In nearby Cass County, 12-year-old Silas Anderson was killed by a separate twister.

Opposition to Lansing Data Center Proposal

Back in Lansing, residents voiced strong opposition Monday night to a proposed data center development during a meeting of the city council.

The project, proposed by U.K.-based company Deep Green, would be located near Cedar Street and Kalamazoo Street.

Several residents addressed the council, questioning the need for the project and raising concerns about transparency and outside influence.

Former council member Jody Washington said she believes outside groups have been lobbying city leaders on the project.

The Lansing Planning Commission approved the proposal last week. A final vote by the city council is expected at a later date.

Council Approves Capitol Walk Brownfield Plan

Despite the debate over the data center, the council did unanimously approve a brownfield redevelopment plan for the Capitol Walk apartment project on Chestnut Street.

The project calls for construction of a 124-unit apartment complex, with redevelopment led by the Lawton Group.

Investigation After Clinton County Fire

Authorities in Clinton County are investigating the death of a 72-year-old man whose body was discovered following a large grass fire Monday afternoon.

The fire occurred in the 4000 block of DeWitt Road in Bingham Township. Officials have not yet released the man’s identity or determined what caused the blaze.

Jury Deliberations Resume in Lenawee County Murder Trial

Meanwhile, jury deliberations are resuming in the murder trial of Dale Warner in Lenawee County.

Warner is charged in the 2021 killing of his wife, Dee Warner, whose body was discovered three years later inside a sealed tank on the couple’s property.

Deliberations were paused Friday after a juror experienced a medical issue.

Gas Prices May Hold Steady

Gas prices could remain relatively stable despite recent geopolitical developments.

Following comments by Donald Trump suggesting the war in Iran could end soon, oil prices declined. However, analysts say the impact at the pump may be limited.

Patrick De Haan of GasBuddy said multiple factors influence fuel costs.

De Haan noted that while prices are unlikely to reach $4 per gallon in the near future, significant drops are also not expected immediately.