No burn permits until rain arrives

Laketown included in Severe Drought category.

No burn permits will be issued today, Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, or Saturday, Sept. 20, in Laketown Township until the township receives rain.

If you have questions, contact Graafschap Fire Department Chief Doug DenBleyker at (616) 396-4060.

“Much of the Lower Peninsula has only had about two-thirds of normal precipitation totals since January 1. Even more dry weather over the last 30 days has only made things worse,” the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids posted on its Facebook page on Thursday, Sept. 18.  “All of this is adding up to the most significant drought we’ve had in the area since 2012.”

The U.S. Drought Monitor released its weekly report on Thursday, Sept. 18, putting Laketown Township and other parts of northwestern Allegan County, much of Ottawa County and parts of Kent County in the Severe Drought category.

Farmers are reporting diminished yields and early harvests, and river levels are lower than usual, the weather service reported.

“Rain showers are returning to the forecast, but widespread significant rains don’t look likely over the next 1 to 2 weeks, so these dry conditions could continue to worsen,” the agency said.

For more on the drought, visit WOOD TV 8 here.