Shipping Containers for Sale in Grand Rapids, MI

A surprise tornado in early March struck southern Michigan on the afternoon of Friday, March 6, leaving at least 4 dead and at least 12 others injured across Branch and Cass counties, according to local officials.

The Branch County Sheriff's Office reported 3 dead and 12 injured, while the Cass County Sheriff's Office confirmed 1 dead and "several others" injured. The storm formed near Edwardsburg and moved over a 50-mile swath through Three Rivers and Union City, causing widespread damage according to local authorities and eyewitness accounts.

The tornado was one of several reported across the middle United States on March 6. A tornado was also confirmed in Oklahoma, leaving 2 dead.

Here's what we know.

How the Michigan tornado formed

As a powerful storm system moved through southern Michigan on Friday, a storm cell producing tornadic conditions barreled through Cass, St. Joseph and Branch counties, leaving damage across 50 miles between Edwardsburg, Three Rivers and Union City, according to reports from the National Weather Service.

The storm prompted tornado warnings from the NWS offices in Grand Rapids and northern Indiana starting before 4 p.m. Friday afternoon, affecting parts of Calhoun, St. Joseph, Cass and Branch counties as it moved at about 35 mph, said NWS meteorologist Alex Mannion.

At least one "large and extremely dangerous" tornado was confirmed by storm chasers, trained spotters, broadcast media and public videos from Three Rivers in St. Joseph County, Michigan, the NWS said. The NWS office in Grand Rapids later confirmed a tornado at 4:43 p.m. just north of Union City in southeastern Calhoun County.

The aftermath

Reports as of 4:30 p.m. included damage near Edwardsburg in Cass County, where trees were knocked down, and a house was damaged near Juno Lake, Mannion said. In St. Joseph County, a video sent to the weather service showed a tornado hitting a Menards store, damaging part of the roof while debris flew through the air. Numerous reports of significant damage came from southwest of Three Rivers.

The weather service office in Northern Indiana said it intends to send a meteorology team out on the morning of March 7 to conduct a storm survey to confirm damages left by the storm and determine whether there was more than one tornado and how intense the winds were.

Additional severe weather is possible overnight into March 7 and could influence how early the meteorologists are able to begin the survey, the weather service said. If warnings are issued, residents should seek shelter immediately and continue monitoring trusted weather and news sources for updated information.

4 dead, multiple others injured

The Branch County Sheriff's Office reported 3 dead and 12 injured on Friday near Union City. Of the 12 injured, three were taken to area hospitals. "Our thoughts are with those who have lost family, friends, and property during this incident," the Branch County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.

The Cass County Sheriff's Office later reported another person confirmed dead and "several injured." It said "multiple large structures — including homes and pole barns — sustained damage ranging from major structural impacts to complete destruction."

In St. Joseph County, the Sheriff's Office advised people to avoid traveling to or through locations in the city of Three Rivers, areas to the east and northeast of the community and in Fabius Township. The sheriff's office also advised people to avoid damaged structures and structures that had been marked by emergency personnel.

Gov. Whitmer activates state emergency center

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced late Friday that she activated the state's emergency operations center to respond to the severe weather.

"Tonight, I am activating our State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate an all-hands-on-deck response to severe weather in southwestern Michigan," Whitmer said on her social media channels. "By taking this action, we can ensure the state can monitor and respond to local requests.

"I want to thank all the first responders on the ground who reacted quickly to keep Michiganders safe."

Michigan weather forecast for Saturday, March 7

It's possible lower Michigan faces more severe weather on Saturday, March 7. More thunderstorms are slated to move through lower Michigan starting Saturday morning, with some capable of producing hail and damaging winds, according to the forecast Saturday morning.

Expect a high of 68 degrees in Detroit, with a low of 38.

Michigan weather radar

USA TODAY contributed.

Michigan is home to some of the quirkiest college towns for travelers to visit. But while places like Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor are already relatively well known among avid travelers, there's a smaller, 20,000-resident city not too far away that promises the same collegiate charm we've come to know and love, plus a vibrant downtown and a small-town feel: Adrian. The local campus comes equipped with an ice arena, and the city itself features historic buildings, an opera house, parks, festive displays, highly reviewed restaurants, and more.

Beyond that, Adrian is conveniently located between Toledo (Ohio) and Grand Rapids, the Michigan gem where art, beer, and Midwest charm meet big-city flair. Of the two, Toledo is closer at 38 miles away, so for many of those flying into town, Toledo Express Airport is the most convenient option. You can also drive here from Detroit, but that's a bit farther away, sitting 72 miles northeast. Driving is usually the most reliable mode of transportation in and around Adrian — there aren't any direct public transportation lines when it comes to transfers, and the city, despite being a student hub, isn't the most walkable. What's more, this is a place surrounded by a variety of other, just as visit-worthy destinations, so take advantage of the flexibility that comes with driving and make time for a couple of day trips, too.

College-town charm and campus activities in Adrian

Considering its size, Adrian has quite the varied collegiate life. Siena Heights University, Adrian College, and the local campus of Jackson College not only give the city a fun, youthful vibe but also open a whole new door of attractions for visitors. Adrian College's Arrington Ice Arena, for example, is a local favorite. With over 500 seats and skate rentals, this is the best place in town to catch a hockey game, watch some figure skating, or dust off your own skating skills. You can view the arena's (jam-packed) calendar here to find what coincides with your visit. Adrian College is not just about sports, though. Events like happy hour and seasonal concerts take place year-round, and its library is worth checking out, too.

Siena Heights has a similarly impressive athletics schedule, with games that include everything from basketball and baseball to soccer and wrestling. It has an avid theater program, too. The university's website even has a dedicated page where you can purchase tickets and get more information about upcoming shows.

Last but not least, make some room in the itinerary for a game of the Jackson College Jets. Disciplines include basketball and bowling, and events take place all day long, so it shouldn't be too hard to find something that coincides with your trip. For those who can't get enough of the collegiate atmosphere, Ann Arbor is a walkable Michigan hub with riverfront trails and a charming downtown that's been named "America's best college town." Moreover, it's less than an hour's drive away – perfect for a day trip.

Adrian's vibrant downtown attractions

Ann Arbor isn't the only place you'll get to enjoy a charming downtown — Adrian's heart is worth exploring, too. For architecture lovers, the Lenawee County Courthouse and the historic Croswell Opera House are must-sees. The latter is also Michigan's oldest theater and one of the earliest of its kind to still be operating in the U.S., not to mention a generally great place to catch a show during your time in Adrian. The public consistently praises the performers. There's even an on-site bar that's open four days a week, as well as 90 minutes ahead of every performance. Prices are reasonable, according to one reviewer.

From here, you can walk the seven minutes to Comstock Park. This is a grassy, riverside space complete with benches, gazebos, sculptures, and a flower garden. Bonus points if you come here during the winter holidays: The park gets decked out with Christmas trees and twinkling lights, perfect for a festive walk. Speaking of walks, the pathways are flat and paved, and you can bring your dog along, too. Before you leave Adrian, stop by Numazu Delights. It's a hole-in-the-wall Japanese restaurant that serves great sushi, noodles, and crab Rangoon at reasonable prices.

Once you feel like you've taken in everything Adrian has to offer, consider a day trip to either Jackson or Tecumseh before you head home. The former has a lively local art scene, craft brews, and numerous nearby lakes, while the latter is a charming Michigan town with historic streets; friendly, small-town magic; and cozy boutiques. Both take under an hour to reach.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – It’s conference title season in Michigan’s 2025-26 girls high school basketball campaign, and _ Grand Rapids-area teams secured at least a share of league championship hardware on Friday.

Rockford secured at least a share of the OK Red title with a 68-35 win over West Ottawa, marking the team’s fourth consecutive conference crown. The Rams (16-1, 9-0 OK Red) can secure an outright title with a win next week against second-place Grand Haven (15-2, 7-1).

Undefeated South Christian claimed an outright OK Gold title with Friday’s 75-18 win over GR Union, marking the program’s second consecutive league championship. The Sailors (18-0, 10-0 OK Gold) will look to keep their perfect season alive Tuesday against Wyoming (13-5, 6-4).

GR Catholic Central also secured an outright OK White title with Friday’s 61-36 win over Forest Hills Central, marking the Cougars’ second league championship in three years.

Junior Payton Fellows led Catholic Central with 16 points, while seniors Jaya Chandler (12 points) and Hailey Durland (11) rounded out the Cougars’ double-digit scorers.

Jenna Stibitz led FHC with 11 points.

Both teams play next on Tuesday, when Catholic Central (16-2, 10-0 OK White) returns to visits GR Christian (8-9, 6-4), and FHC (8-10, 6-4) hosts Ottawa Hills (0-18, 0-10).

Holland Christian claimed a share of the OK Black title with a 57-41 win over Zeeland East, giving the Maroons their second consecutive conference crown.

Allison Lamer led Holland Christian with 14 points, while Kate VanAppledorn and Viola Cassel each added 10 points.

Lizzie Risdon led Zeeland East with 19 points.

Holland Christian (12-4, 10-0 OK Black) can lock up an outright conference title against Zeeland West (14-4, 8-2) on Tuesday, while Zeeland East (6-12, 3-7) returns to action Tuesday against Unity Christian (10-9, 5-4).

Those four conference title-clinching contests weren’t the only notable results on Friday, so follow along for more scores and stats from around Grand Rapids.

OK Red

Rockford 68, West Ottawa 35

WO: Jana Honeycutt 23 points, 11 rebounds

Grand Haven 51, East Kentwood 37

GH: Mallory Woiteshek 18 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 blocks; Kendall Gillis 13 points, 5 assists; Georgia Reinecke 7 points

Hudsonville 55, Grandville 33

Hudsonville: Ryan Vanderbeek 15 points; Lakelyn Weber 14 points

OK Green

Reeths-Puffer 53, Byron Center 43

RP: Raquel Walker 21 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, 3 blocks; Ashlyn David 7 points, 9 rebounds; Grace Tindall 6 points; Addison Mitchelson 6 points; Abrianna Do 6 points

Muskegon 56, Caledonia 19

Muskegon: Cece Bonner 17 points; Dy’Nasti Bell 15 points; Mariah Sain 8 points

Mona Shores 67, Jenison 46

MS: Ally Brown 16 points; Malia Delasko 15 points; Maddie Russell 10 points; Gabi Koziak 9 points

OK Gold

West Catholic 51, Northview 39

WC: Alexis Asekomeh 19 points; Kenley Slanger 11 points

Thornapple Kellogg 42, Wayland 34

Wayland: Marissa Ainsworth 17 points; Addi Sikorski 7 points

South Christian 75, GR Union 18

OK Black

Holland Christian 57, Zeeland East 41

HC: Allison Lamer 14 points; Kate Van Appledorn 10 points; Viola Cassel 10 points; Cora Rigterink 9 points; Brooklyn Phelps 6 points

ZE: Lizzie Risdon 19 points; Lily Huizenga 7 points; CC Kuras 6 points; Emry Wyngarden 5 points

Hamilton 59, Holland 26

Hamilton: Leah Brink 12 points; Paige Kleinheksel 11 points

Holland: Miona Rogers 16 points; Amari Copado 6 points

Zeeland West 47, Spring Lake 37

ZW: Sadie Kragt 20 points; Jenna Hendricks 14 points

Zeeland West 44, Unity Christian 37 (Thursday)

ZW: Sadie Kragt 13 points; Jenna Hendricks 12 points; Brooklyn Haight 7 points

Zeeland East 54, Hamilton 48 (Wednesday)

ZE: Lizzie Risdon 21 points, 15 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals

OK White

East Grand Rapids 40, GR Christian 34

EGR: Sienna Gills 22 points

GRC: Keira Dawes 12 points, 8 rebounds; Maya Merritt 9 points, 7 rebounds; Charley Hassenrik 7 points, 6 steals

GR Catholic Central 61, Forest Hills Central 36

CC: Payton Fellows 16 points; Jaya Chandler 12 points; Hailey Durland 11 points; Erin Ziemer 7 points; Georgette Brown 6 points

FHC: Jenna Stibitz 11 points; Katie Schillaci 7 points; Kenzie Manders 6 points

Forest Hills Northern 63, Forest Hills Eastern 30

OK Silver

Hopkins 54, Kelloggsville 35

Hopkins: Cora Hall 15 points; Reegan Helderop 8 points; Kelsey Burgess 7 points; Natalie Geers 7 points; Taylie Burgess 7 points; Claire Brenner 6 points

Kville: Kay Kay Swanigan 19 points; Miakayla Crawford 7 points; Aliyanah McElwee 6 points

Calvin Christian 69, Godwin Heights 43

NorthPointe Christian 41, Fruitport 25

Belding at Comstock Park

River Cities Alliance

Lowell 42, Allendale 36

Lowell: Mady Hayes 15 points; Avary Slanger 12 points; Taylor Graham 7 points

Allendale: Grace Kragt 15 points; Avery Brose 6 points

Coopersville 37, Kenowa Hills 35

Cedar Springs 54, Sparta 39

Alliance League

Potter’s House 40, Muskegon Catholic Central 37 OT

MCC: Aaliyah Winston 7 points; Andrea Johnson 7 points; Kendal Gustin 7 points

West Michigan Aviation Academy 43, Grand River Prep 27

Tri-unity Christian 53, Wyoming Lee 9

Zion Christian 46, Grand River Prep 23 (Thursday)

Nonconference games

Cadillac 47, Ottawa Hills 42

OH: India Hollis 15 points; Amyah Smith-Flowers 13 points; Miranda Miheve 8 points

Covenant Christian 54, Unity Christian 45

Wyoming 58, Greenville 56 (Thursday)

Greenville: Bri Russell 17 points; Alix Court 10 points; Lauren Russell 9 points; Olivia Fancett 8 points

Portland St. Patrick 38, Tri-unity Christian 32 (Thursday)

East Grand Rapids 44, NorthPointe Christian 36 (Wednesday)

Covenant Christian 58, Allendale 28 (Wednesday)

More Grand Rapids prep hoops coverage

The Grand Rapids Rise are heating up for the 2026 season, taking on the Atlanta Vibe in a can't-miss matchup on Saturday. The game is themed K-POP Rise Hunters presented by applied innovation, with big energy, fun and a must-have Rise bucket hat giveaway. Feel the beat, unleash your inner pop star, and cheer on your home team. Tip off is at 7:00 P.M. with tickets ranging from $19 to $45.

Stories, snacks and sparkle are taking center stage at Cellar Bird Books Sunday from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M. Michigan Drag Brunch Queens bring LGBTQ+ stories and fabulous drag-themed books to life with personality. Kids can enjoy juice boxes and donuts while celebrating diversity, creativity and self-expression. The event is free and everyone is welcome.

Grab a rod and some mittens for free fishing weekend across Michigan. No fishing licenses are required, just follow regulations and enjoy access to some of West Michigan's best waters. Enjoy Muskegon County's 27 miles of Lake Michigan shore, dozens of inland rivers and 400 miles of rivers.

Experience a funny and powerful play at Frau Lounge in Muskegon, all about life, memory and the clothes that tell our stories. This story shares women's experience through fashion, humor and heart. Performances run Saturday at 7:30 P.M., Sunday at 3:00 P.M., and February 19-22 with evening and matinee options. Tickets range from $30 to $38.

Celebrate love and culture as Lunar New Year meets Valentine's Day at Chenery Auditorium. Hosted by the Chinese American Association of Greater Kalamazoo, this event runs Saturday from 6:00-7:30 P.M. Enjoy lion and dragon dances, Chinese folk dance, traditional music, and interactive cultural experiences. Tickets are $16.

Bundle up and bring your sweetheart on Saturday from 12:00 to 4:00 P.M. at the Kalamazoo Mall. Downtown turns into a sparkling winter wonderland with ice sculptures, live carving, winter sports demos, and meet-and-greets with icy characters. Warm up with hot cocoa, shop local, and plan a cozy Valentine's Day Meal at a downtown restaurant. The event is free.

Do you have an idea for the Morning News team or maybe an idea for a guest segment or something for the gang to come out and try? Send them an email at or call 616-447-5252 and leave a message.

Copyright 2026 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — The sound of smooth jazz intermingles with the crackling of cooking oil.

Big Fish & Things, 817 M.L.K. Jr St. SE in Grand Rapids, opened as an alternative to the drive-thru, serving up made-to-order chicken, fish, and “things.”

Lifelong Grand Rapids resident Terry Johnson operates the store. After a career in construction, he put his recipes to the ultimate test by offering them up to the community.

“This is my first rodeo,” Johnson said of entering the restaurant business, adding that the opportunity arose unexpectedly when a business partner who had owned the property for about 10 years decided to open an eatery.

The building previously housed several restaurants including a barbecue spot, soul food restaurant, and deli.

Fresh ingredients define the menu, with Johnson preparing breading and most items from scratch. Only a few sides—mushrooms, cauliflower, and onion rings—arrive pre-breaded

“I love to cook fish. I’ve been cooking fish for a long time,” he said.

What sets the restaurant apart extends beyond the food. Johnson has cultivated personal relationships with customers, creating an almost familial atmosphere distinct from large chains.

“I develop a relationship with my customers, like a one on one. They’re not just another number,” he said. “So it’s personal, you know, and you get a feel for your customers. Yeah, that’s what keeps me going.”

Johnson developed the restaurant’s signature recipe through experimentation, aiming to create a flavor with “a little kick to it” that stands apart from other local options.

The menu features seafood and chicken with sides like cauliflower, mushrooms, coleslaw and spaghetti.

Chicken options include whole wings, tenders, and wing dings. Chicken and waffles cost $8.99.

Catfish nuggets and ocean perch are popular seafood options. Both are $9.99 for a half pound.

Several “Big Fish” Combos are available for $13.99. The meal comes with a choice of protein, side of fries, coleslaw, and a drink.

“Life is a lifetime learning,” the owner said. “No matter how old you get, you’re always gonna learn something. That’s where I’m at. I don’t think I know everything.”

Big Fish & Things is open from noon to 8 p.m. on Monday through Saturday. It is closed on Sunday.

During summer months, the restaurant opens a pick-up window for faster service.

The business remains optimistic about future growth, with plans to potentially relocate to a strip mall off Burton Street near Kalamazoo Avenue.

For daily updates, visit the Facebook page here. To place an order, call (616) 288-9363.