Record-high Great Lakes water levels in May impact region
May brought the five Great Lakes to near record highs with Lake Michigan within 0.72 inches of its peak. The U S Army Corps of Engineers reports a 21 percent lake-height rise since last year’s records, with levels 1 to 3 inches above the 1986 peak. Coastal flooding and shoreline erosion are expected to persist, threatening walkways and boat launches such as Fuller Park, where a boardwalk collapse occurred after a May storm.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ottawa
Great Lakes
Lake Michigan
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Keith Kompoltowicz
Corps Watershed Hydrology
Detroit District
Lake Michigan-Huron
Straits of Mackinac
Fuller Park
Army Corps
Boating safety hampered by high water levels
Ottawa County deputies report boat launches blocked by rising waters. Docks nearly touching water and overtopped areas hinder access for vessels, even with cradles. higher water reduces visibility and may hide hazards, raising collision risk. GLSRP cites seven drownings as of May 29.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ottawa County
The
Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project
GLSRP
Kollen Park seawall damage blamed on high lake levels
In Holland, the seawall and sidewalk at Kollen Park suffered major damage likely from record high Great Lakes levels. A collapsed section near the boat launch was observed, with transportation director Brian White noting the area’s footing and soil armor contributed to its vulnerability after a May 27 storm.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Holland
Kollen Park
Great Lakes
Brian White
City of Holland Transportation Services
White
Zeeland names Ross Tibbets as fire chief in legacy role
Ross Tibbets, selected from 37 applicants, became Zeeland fire chief on April 15 with an $84,000 salary, succeeding Nick Bonstell who moved to Ottawa County emergency management. A 20 year veteran, Tibbets grew up in a family of firefighters and began training at 17, continuing a long regional public safety lineage.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Zeeland
Ross Tibbets
Tibbets
Nick Bonstell
Ottawa County
West Michigan
Grand Rapids
Wyoming
Kalamazoo
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Lake
Macatawa
Kate Carlson
Sentinel
Holland Sentinel
Opinion Sports
Tom Neird
Armstrong International
de Graaf Fine Art
Water St
Main Street
Saugatuck, MI
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