Extreme Heat, Public Safety Initiatives, and Major Events Mark First Day of Summer in Lansing Area

By 1320 WILS Newsroom | June 20, 2025

 

LANSING, MI — The first day of summer arrives with intense heat, public safety concerns, and major headlines across mid-Michigan.

Extreme Heat Watch in Effect Through Tuesday

The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Watch for the Lansing area, effective from Saturday morning through Tuesday night. Daily high temperatures are expected to reach the low to mid-90s, with heat index values surpassing 100 degrees.

Officials are urging residents to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities, and check on vulnerable individuals, especially the elderly and young children.

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Missing Teen from Eaton County Considered Endangered

Michigan State Police from the Lansing Post are seeking help locating a missing 14-year-old girl, Styla Denton, last seen on Sunday. Authorities say she left her Eaton County home without her medication or cell phone and may be endangered.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Lansing Post or local law enforcement.

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Lansing Police Launch Summer Safety Plan

The Lansing Police Department has officially launched its 2025 Summer Safety Plan aimed at curbing gun violence and enhancing community safety. The initiative includes:

• Focused deterrence strategies

• Data-driven patrol deployment

• Increased community policing

The department will utilize specialty units to address high-risk areas throughout the city this summer.

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Two Officers Shot in Wayne County; Shelter Order Lifted

Two Southgate police officers were injured Thursday after being shot in the legs during an incident at a Wayne County apartment complex. Both officers are in stable condition. A shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area but has since been lifted. Two suspects are currently in custody.

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$75 Million Verdict Against Kroger in Explosive Injury Case

Kroger has been ordered to pay $75 million in damages to Brian Marendorff, a 37-year-old HVAC technician severely injured by a refrigerant explosion in 2020 at a Bloomfield Township store. Marendorff suffered chemical burns and lost most of both hands after exposure to the banned R-22 refrigerant. An Oakland County jury awarded the settlement to Marendorff and his wife.

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Ford Recalls 300,000+ Mach-E SUVs Over Battery Issue

Ford Motor Company, based in Dearborn, is recalling over 300,000 Mustang Mach-E SUVs due to a battery defect that can trap occupants inside the vehicle or prevent entry. Affected models include units from 2021 to 2025, with nearly 197,000 vehicles in the U.S. and another 120,000 overseas.

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Live Music Festivals Energize Mid-Michigan This Weekend

Two major music festivals are drawing crowds to mid-Michigan:

• The Charlotte Bluegrass Festival kicked off Thursday night with a sold-out performance by Grammy winner Billy Strings. Held at the Eaton County Fairgrounds, the 53rd annual event continues through Saturday.

• The 29th Annual Summer Solstice Jazz Festival begins tonight in downtown East Lansing, bringing live performances and community events through Saturday night.