Updated 10:45 a.m.
POTTERVILLE — The small town of Potterville is buzzing with anticipation as former President Donald Trump prepares for his visit today, Thursday, August 29th. With just a few hours left before his scheduled appearance at the Alro Steel factory, local law enforcement and Michigan State Police are making final preparations to ensure the safety and smooth running of the event.
Eaton County sheriff’s deputies and Michigan State Police officers have been spotted in the area, establishing a secure perimeter around the Alro Steel factory, located off Lansing Road. Officers are stationed at key entrances to the plant, carefully screening those entering the premises. The police presence is also noticeable at several intersections near the plant, where deputies and troopers are posted to manage traffic and maintain order.
Additionally, a Michigan Department of Transportation rest stop on the northbound side of Interstate 69, directly across from the Alro Steel plant, appears to be functioning as usual. However, the presence of a state trooper parked at the entrance ramp serves as a reminder of the heightened security measures in place for today’s event.
A row of semi-trailers has been positioned along the outskirts of the parking lot at Alro Steel, possibly to obstruct sightlines and ensure the privacy of the event. This event is expected to attract a significant number of supporters and onlookers, and security officials are taking every precaution.
Trump’s event is set to begin at 3:30 p.m. This will be his eighth campaign stop in Michigan this year, underscoring the importance of the state in the upcoming November 6th general election, where he is running against current Vice President Kamala Harris.
Updated at 10 a.m.
Potterville Awaits Trump’s Arrival Amid Quiet Morning
Earlier this morning, the streets of Potterville were calm, with an air of anticipation as residents await former President Donald Trump’s campaign event. The usually quiet town is bracing for the influx of visitors, with preparations visible throughout the area.
Orange “No parking – temporary police order” signs have been placed along Main Street and other roads near the Alro Steel plant. These measures are in place to manage the expected crowds and traffic once Trump arrives.
In the heart of downtown, Gizzard City’s parking lot was already full, though only with about six cars. Meanwhile, at the local Dollar General, clerks were busy setting up outdoor displays around 9 a.m., marking the start of what is expected to be a busy day.
Despite the upcoming event, the town remains unusually quiet. Few Trump supporters or opponents have been seen, and there hasn’t been a noticeable increase in Trump-related signs around town. The morning’s misty, overcast weather adds to the subdued atmosphere.
Classes at the local school have been canceled for the day, and the school’s parking lot was mostly empty, a clear indication of the significance of Trump’s visit.
One local resident, Ed Godlewski, has made it clear where he stands. He proudly displays three large Trump flags outside his home, which is conveniently located near the Alro Steel plant on Royston Road. “There’s a heavy Trump following in our neighborhood,” Godlewski shared, pointing to his flags. He admitted that he wasn’t deeply involved in politics until the last eight years, but now he’s eagerly hoping for Trump’s reelection. “We want him (Trump) to get voted in so bad we can taste it,” he said.
Godlewski plans to set up a chair in his yard to watch the event unfold. Although he didn’t receive a ticket to attend the event, some of his friends did, and they plan to park at his house before walking over. He’s excited to see the motorcade and soak in the atmosphere. The last time he was this close to a president was when Richard Nixon’s motorcade passed him in Grand Rapids.
Potterville Police Remind Public: Trump Event is Invitation-Only
As Trump’s visit draws near, the Potterville Police Department has issued a reminder to the public: today’s event is strictly invitation-only.
On Wednesday night, the police took to Facebook to address confusion stemming from text messages that some residents have received, claiming to be official invitations to Trump’s campaign event. “If you received the text that is shown in the photo, that is NOT an official invitation,” the police clarified. “This is an invitation-only event, and only those directly invited have already received additional information regarding the event. The text invitation WILL NOT get you into the event or onto the event grounds.”
This reminder is crucial as excitement builds in Potterville, ensuring that those without an invitation understand they will not be able to attend the event.
Stay tuned for more updates as the day progresses and Donald Trump’s visit to Potterville unfolds.
