March 16, 2026
Pewamo-Westphalia Holds Off Pontiac ATA 61-57 in State Championship Thriller
EAST LANSING — The Pewamo-Westphalia boys basketball team survived a late challenge Saturday afternoon at the Breslin Center, defeating Arts & Technology Academy of Pontiac 61-57 in a tightly contested state championship matchup. The Pirates controlled much of the early action, building momentum behind efficient shooting and a strong interior presence. Pewamo-Westphalia shot an impressive 56.1 percent from the field and dominated the glass 38-21, a difference that proved decisive down the stretch.
Senior guard Grady Eklund led the Pirates with 26 points, adding nine rebounds and four assists in an all-around performance that fueled the offense throughout the afternoon. Logan Farmer contributed 14 points and four assists, while Trent Piggott anchored the interior with 11 points and 12 rebounds, helping Pewamo-Westphalia score 40 points in the paint.
Pontiac’s Lewis Lovejoy delivered a spectacular effort to keep his team within striking distance, pouring in 41 points and hitting six three-pointers. His scoring surge fueled a strong third quarter in which Arts & Technology shot 90 percent from the field, briefly grabbing the lead heading into the fourth period.
The Pirates regained control in the final minutes behind key baskets from Farmer and Eklund and strong rebounding from Piggott. Pewamo-Westphalia shot 6-of-7 from the field in the fourth quarter, allowing them to pull ahead late and hold off Pontiac’s final push.
Pontiac closed the gap to two possessions in the final seconds, but clutch free throws from Farmer sealed the victory for the Pirates. Pewamo-Westphalia finished the season 27-2, capturing the D3 state title with a balanced effort that combined efficient offense, rebounding dominance, and timely late-game execution.
“I think from the start of the year we had State championship goals. We tried to focus on the game ahead of us” PW senior Ty Spitzley said post game of their commitment and focus. “There are a lot of ups and downs in the long season starting in November. Just staying true to the goal from the start really helped us take it game by game.”
With the win Pewamo-Westphalia secures it’s place as one of the top basketball programs in all of Mid-Michigan. According to Senior Nolan George that is no accident.
“You could see it in the younger generation, we built it into the basketball culture in our area. You see all the fans that show up and they keep buying in generation after generation you can see we enjoy being in the community and winning games together.”
Free Photo Gallery of the Game: https://glenphotography1.zenfoliosite.com/pw-boys-basketball-state-championships-31426
MDHHS offers tips, resources to stay safe during severe weather
Recent tornadoes in southwest Michigan and last year’s ice storm in northern Michigan illustrate importance of preparedness
LANSING, Mich. – In recognition of Severe Weather Awareness Week, March 15-21, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is sharing resources to help Michigan residents prepare for severe weather, including making a personal emergency plan.
“As we enter severe weather season, it’s important for every Michigander to prepare,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “The importance of severe weather awareness is clearer than ever following last week’s deadly tornadoes. I encourage every Michigander to take time now to make a plan, build an emergency kit, and sign up for local emergency alerts. Preparing today can save lives when minutes matter. Let’s work together and stay safe.”
“Household emergency plans are critical to family safety, particularly because severe weather can strike without warning,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “Families may not be in the same place when a severe weather event occurs, so it is important to create a plan for all of your loved ones to stay in touch and know what to do and where to go to stay safe.”
Severe weather conditions can occur during any season and pose threats to public health. A series of tornadoes in southwest Michigan Friday, March 6, caused widespread power outages, devastating property damage and at least four deaths. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Branch, Cass and St. Joseph Counties to assist with response and recovery efforts.
In late March 2025, residents living in northern Michigan and the eastern Upper Peninsula experienced a severe ice storm that left at least 90,000 homes without power. The storm, declared a major disaster by the federal government, made travel difficult and left many stranded in their homes for multiple days without electricity.
Residents were faced with many challenges, including:
- Loss of heat and running water (if relying on a well).
- Hazardous travel conditions and impassable roads.
- Loss of phone and cellular service.
- Loss of food and medicines that require refrigeration.
- Inability to keep electricity-powered medical devices running.
- Frigid temperatures and inability to heat homes.
- State and local agencies have information that can help residents plan for weather-related emergencies based on their specific needs. Some resources include:
The MDHHS Michigan Prepares website shares a variety of preparedness resources, including guidance on How to Create Your Emergency Plan. MDHHS has resources that can help residents avoid carbon monoxide poisoning if they use generators during power outages.
The Flood Safety Series provides practical guidance for:
Michigan State Police’s MIREADY webpage contains emergency planning information, including Pet Preparedness.
The Michigan Public Service Commission serves the public by ensuring safe, reliable and accessible energy. If a resident has experienced lengthy or frequent power outages, they may qualify for an outage credit.
The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s fact sheet, Protecting Your Private Water Supply in an Emergency, is a resource for well owners and reviews the potential hazards associated with power outages and flooding.
Residents can also stay informed by signing up for emergency alerts from their county or city. Some local health departments also have emergency planning information that may be more relevant to county-specific concerns.
Additionally, a voluntary statewide tornado drill is being held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, March 18.
Courtesy Story
MSU helps partners secure $5M to revitalize Lansing’s REO Town
By: Emily Springer, Sydney Hawkins
In collaboration with Michigan State University, Lansing has been selected as one of six Michigan communities to receive a placemaking grant through the Michigan Talent Partnership Program administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, or MEDC. With $4.35 million in grant funding, and an additional $1 million commitment from the city of Lansing, a project to revitalize Lansing’s REO Town is set to move forward.
This initiative, REO Town — Flowing with Innovations, was led by the Lansing Talent Partnership Consortium, a coalition of Lansing-based organizations, businesses and community stakeholders convened by the city of Lansing and the Lansing Economic Development Corporation.
People attend an outdoor concert that is temporarily set up in a street in Lansing, Michigan.
A pop-up concert on the street in Reo Town. Image courtesy REO Town Business Association.
In early 2025, state Sen. Sarah Anthony invited MSU to assist the consortium in developing the proposal.
With financial support from University Outreach and Engagement, or UOE, the consortium invited experts from MSU’s Center for Community and Economic Development, or CCED; the MSU Research Foundation; and the National Charrette Institute at MSU to participate in those conversations. The National Charrette Institute organized a REO Town Vision Community Workshop that brought together stakeholders, residents and partners. More than 60 individuals convened in REO Town to develop a shared vision and outline specific objectives for the proposal.
MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., emphasized the broader return on public investment in the university, which translates to tangible economic benefits for the region.
“Michigan State University is committed to a vibrant, resilient mid-Michigan shaped by strong partnerships and shared purpose,” Guskiewicz said. “By working alongside the consortium and community stakeholders, MSU is helping advance Lansing’s REO Town Creative District in ways that translate public investment into real economic opportunity — from workforce development to small business growth. These collaborations lay the groundwork for sustained engagement and lasting impact in REO Town and across the region.”
Guided by local expertise, community insight and a shared commitment to revitalizing Lansing, the project aims to attract and retain talent by transforming public spaces and expanding opportunities for REO Town residents. The initiative focuses on strengthening local economic activation, legacy and learning, placemaking and identity, creative mobility, and community anchors. Planned improvements include many projects around the River Trail, Elm Street, and Washington Avenue.
Eight key projects will be receiving the upgrades, with more information in the report.
John Melcher, associate director of CCED, participated in the community workshop as a representative of MSU. “We are looking forward to working with units and departments across MSU to make meaningful contributions to community building and placemaking in partnership with the REO Town community,” he said. “This includes engaging the university’s students and faculty in activities addressing everything from the creative and performing arts to housing, entrepreneurship and inclusive development.”
Anthony, chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, encouraged early collaboration among the state, MSU and community stakeholders.
“Investing in and creating vibrant, welcoming, walkable communities are key components of attracting and retaining talent across our great state. As Senate Appropriations chair, our goal when establishing the Michigan Talent Partnership Program was to do just that,” Anthony said in an MEDC release. “Anyone who has been to REO Town knows it is a perfect example of that vision in action, and I believe it holds tremendous, untapped potential.”
Kwesi Brookins, vice provost for UOE, highlighted the university’s role as a long-term partner in regional progress and the scholarly work within CCED and the Charrette Institute.
“It demonstrates one of the many roles MSU can play in supporting transformation by working side by side with community organizations,” he said. “It also contributes to helping to make Lansing an attractive place to live, work and play as we seek to grow and bring more talent to the area.”
Courtesy Story