News Flash

Emergency personnel have been deployed throughout the southern portion of Cass County following the touchdown of a tornado near Edwardsburg late Friday afternoon.

Cass County Emergency Manager Manny DeLaRosa confirmed that multiple large structures — including homes and pole barns — sustained damage ranging from major structural impacts to complete destruction.

Cass County Sheriff Clint Roach reported that several injuries have occurred and that one fatality has been confirmed as a result of the storm.

Numerous trees have fallen onto roads and buildings, and more than 500 customers are currently without power, according to reports from Midwest Energy & Communications (MEC).

Preliminary reports indicate that damage began just west of Edwardsburg along Conrad Road and continued east past M-62.

Cass County Board Chair Jeremiah Jones issued a local state of emergency Friday evening, noting that local resources are being utilized to their fullest extent and that additional assistance may be required to clear debris and support affected residents. Heavy rainfall Friday evening delayed some cleanup efforts, which are expected to continue Saturday.

The American Red Cross was on site Friday evening and will return Saturday to provide additional assistance.

Emergency Management personnel will be conducting damage assessments in the affected area as required by the State of Michigan. Residents should expect these personnel to wear yellow vests and identify themselves as Cass County Emergency Management staff.

DeLaRosa and the Cass County Sheriff’s Office continue to monitor conditions and are preparing additional resources, including emergency shelter, should they become necessary.

Residents in need of assistance may contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS or dial 2-1-1 for local support services.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office is warning homeowners in the areas affected by the recent tornado about possible scams.

• If you have damage to your home or other structures, please be cautious when dealing with unfamiliar companies or contractors. 
• Be alert for individuals who are pushy, insist on giving you an immediate quote, or ask for money upfront. 
• If you have homeowners’ insurance, refer all contractors to your insurance company. 
• Do not let anyone pressure you into making a down payment by claiming they will be too busy to return later. 
• If a contractor is pushy, use caution.
• For those with tree damage, please also be aware of individuals or companies from outside the area who offer to clean up your yard for cash or a discounted price if you agree immediately and pay a deposit. 
• Be cautious of people who begin work without permission and then demand payment. Again, refer all individuals and companies to your insurance provider. If they are pushy, use caution.

If you don’t live in the affected areas, please stay out of the area so emergency and cleanup crews can do their work safely and efficiently.

Emergency Manager Manny DeLaRosa stated that a non-profit organization has a crew assessing the damage at the affected sites in preparation for a volunteer cleanup crew that is scheduled to deploy in the coming days. More details will come once the assessment is completed.

“We will have a link posted on our website (at casscountymi.org/tornado) as soon as they are ready where people can fill out the application requesting assistance,” DeLaRosa said.

As cleanup continues, many have reached out to ask how to assist those affected by the tornado. A list of resources and opportunities to donate is available at casscountymi.org/tornado.

It is with a heavy heart that Sheriff Clint Roach reports that a young man from the Edwardsburg area has lost his life in a weather-related incident. Cass County Central Dispatch received a 911 call at approximately 3:12 p.m. on March 6, 2026. 

Information received indicated that a possible tornado touched down in the 68000 block of Conrad Road north of US-12 Edwardsburg, Michigan, Milton Township. The caller advised that they could not find their son. Upon arrival of first responders, it was determined that he had been located and his parents were providing first aid. 

Twelve-year-old Silas Anderson was taken to South Bend Memorial Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Silas was surrounded by family at the time of his passing. Sheriff Roach asks that you respect the family’s privacy as they try to comprehend and deal with this tragedy.