COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – A number of public safety members as well as individuals, businesses and non-profit groups were publicly thanked during the Branch County Board of Commissioners work session on Thursday for their response to the March 6 tornado that struck the Union City area.
County Administrator Frank Walsh says Union City’s community response continues to be nothing short of amazing.
Branch County Emergency Management Coordinator Tim Miner told Commissioners they were still in recovery mode after the EF-3 tornado struck two weeks ago and they are still removing heavy debris.
A big problem has been debris in Union Lake. Miner said there are still eight boats floating in the lake and they are being monitored so they don’t start heading for the Riley Dam. He added large pieces of debris are stuck in the muck but are relatively safe.
Union Lake Community Association President Gary Chester said in a Facebook post that the Branch County Sheriff Department’s Boat Patrol Unit, working with Branch County Emergency Management, has developed a plan to begin Union Lake water cleanup.
They have activated the Southeast Michigan Dive Group which includes the Branch County Sheriff’s Department and cleanup operations will begin this Saturday. Chester says at the conclusion of Saturday’s effort, they will determine if further cleanup days will be needed but they expect it will be a multi-day effort.
The boat launch at Union Lake is still closed but Miner says Tuttle Road has reopened to vehicle traffic.
Way to go guys! You all are awesome!