Frankenmuth

EFR STEAM Students Learn about Cass River Stabilization and Engineering E FR students recently made a strong community connection while learning about real-world engineering. Sixth-grade students in Mrs. Kay's STEAM class welcomed Alan Bean, the City's Community Development Specialist, to talk about the Cass River Stabilization Plan. Students have been working through a unit called Engineering for Hazardous Weather: Taking Flood Control to New Heights. As part of the unit, they study flood events and design solutions by building lied house models to help homes stay safe during flooding. To connect classroom learning to the real world, Mr. Bean used Google Earth, the actual plan approved by the City, and old Frankenmuth News clippings to take students back to the 1996 Frankenmuth Tornado and explain how that event changed the river embankment. He also explained the Cass River Stabilization Plan and how, over time, the river has been slowly wearing away parts of the riverbank. The city's plan will help stop that erosion by repairing and replacing older structures along the riverbank and adding stronger materials to stabilize the shoreline. These improvements will help protect nearby roads, buildings, and public spaces while keeping the river safe for the future. Students asked thoughtful questions and were excited to see how engineers and city planners work together to solve real problems in their own community. It was a great example of how classroom learning can connect directly to the world around them. You can learn more about the Cass River Stabilization Plan by scanning the QR-Code! Be Ready for Emergencies As we approach the season for unpredictable and severe weather, the City of Frankenmuth is encouraging all residents and members of our greater community to take proactive steps in emergency planning. Our goal is to ensure that every household is equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to stay safe when every second counts. A critical component of any emergency plan is receiving timely and accurate information. The City of Frankenmuth relies on the robust notification systems managed by Saginaw County to alert the public of impending severe weather. Residents are strongly encouraged to sign up for these alerts to receive real-time notifications directly to their smartphones or landlines. These systems provide essential updates on: • Tornado warnings and severe thunderstorm watches. • Flash flooding and significant road closures. • Local emergency instructions and shelter information. • The City of Frankenmuth can also use this system to provide very specific alerts to certain neighborhoods or streets, such as a notice of a water main break or unexpected street closure. You can sign up to receive alerts here: 9

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