Local News
Penni Jo Guthrie, Keri Johnson and Silas Anderson killed in Union City tornado
Authorities have begun identifying victims following the devastating tornado that struck Union City, Michigan, on Friday afternoon, leaving several people dead and causing extensive destruction across parts of southern Michigan.
A funeral home in Branch County confirmed that Penni Jo Guthrie, 65, was among those killed when the powerful storm swept through the Union City area. According to officials, Guthrie died from injuries sustained after the tornado destroyed her home. An official obituary has not yet been published, and funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.
Officials say two additional people were also killed in Union City when the suspected EF-3 tornado touched down in the community. The National Weather Service reported the storm produced winds estimated at 150 miles per hour or higher, powerful enough to flatten homes and leave entire neighborhoods heavily damaged.
Emergency crews spent much of Saturday searching through debris, helping residents recover personal belongings, and beginning the long process of clearing damaged areas. Union City emergency management officials said operations have now transitioned from search-and-rescue efforts to recovery operations as teams continue assessing the full extent of the damage.
Among those affected by the storm was Scott Johnson, a former resident of Bellevue. According to community members, Johnson lost his wife, Keri Johnson, as well as their home and nearly all of their belongings when the tornado tore through the Union Lake area outside Union City.
The severe weather outbreak also turned deadly in Cass County, where authorities confirmed that a 12-year-old boy from the Edwardsburg area lost his life during the storm. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office identified the child as Silas Anderson.
Sheriff Clint Roach said Cass County Central Dispatch received a 911 call at approximately 3:12 p.m. on March 6 reporting that a possible tornado had touched down in the 68000 block of Conrad Road, north of U.S. 12 in Edwardsburg, located in Milton Township. The caller told dispatchers their son was missing following the storm.
When first responders arrived, they located Silas Anderson while his parents were already attempting to administer first aid. The boy was transported to South Bend Memorial Hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Officials said Silas was surrounded by family members at the time of his passing.
“It is with a heavy heart that we report that a young man from the Edwardsburg area has lost his life in a weather-related incident,” Sheriff Roach said in a statement. He also asked the public to respect the family’s privacy as they grieve this tragic loss.
Severe weather also caused damage in St. Joseph County, where another tornado was reported near Three Rivers. The storm caused major structural damage, including ripping the roof off a Menards store. Video recorded by residents showed the tornado sending debris into the air and tearing apart nearby buildings and storage facilities.
In response to the widespread damage and loss of life, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced Saturday morning that she plans to declare a state of emergency for Branch, Cass, and St. Joseph counties.
State and local officials continue to assess the destruction while emergency crews work to assist affected residents, clear debris, and restore power and other essential services throughout the communities impacted by the powerful storm system.
Local News
Pentagon Identifies Four Army Reserve Soldiers Killed during Operation Epic Fury in Kuwait
TAMPA, Fla. — The Department of Defense has identified four U.S. Army Reserve soldiers who were killed during operations in Kuwait as part of ongoing military actions against Iran.
The fallen service members are:
- Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida
- Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska
- Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota
- Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa
All four soldiers were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, based in Des Moines, Iowa.
According to U.S. military officials, the soldiers died on March 1, 2026, in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, during an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) attack amid heightened hostilities in the region.
As of 7:30 a.m. ET on March 2, four U.S. service members had been confirmed killed in action. The fourth service member had initially been seriously wounded during Iran’s initial attacks but later succumbed to those injuries.
By 4:00 p.m. ET on March 2, officials confirmed that six U.S. service members had been killed in action. U.S. forces recently recovered the remains of two previously unaccounted-for personnel from a facility struck during the early stages of Iran’s attacks in the region.
In addition to the fatalities, several service members sustained serious injuries during combat operations conducted under Operation Epic Fury. Five personnel were reported seriously wounded, while others suffered minor injuries, including shrapnel wounds and concussions. Those with less severe injuries are receiving medical evaluation and treatment and are expected to return to duty as conditions permit.
Major combat operations remain ongoing, and U.S. officials describe the situation as fluid.
In accordance with Department of Defense policy, the identities of fallen service members are withheld until at least 24 hours after next of kin notification. Additional details continue to be limited due to operational security considerations.
Separately, at 11:03 p.m. ET on March 1, three U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft operating in support of Operation Epic Fury were involved in an apparent friendly fire incident over Kuwait.
During active combat operations that included reported attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and unmanned systems, the fighter jets were mistakenly engaged by Kuwaiti air defense forces.
All six aircrew members successfully ejected, were recovered safely, and are reported to be in stable condition. Kuwaiti authorities have acknowledged the incident. U.S. officials expressed appreciation for Kuwait’s cooperation and assistance in the recovery efforts.
An investigation into the friendly fire incident is underway.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available and as operational security permits.