The Marshall County Commissioners and EMA Director Clyde Avery have upgraded Marshall County to a “watch” level travel advisory.
Snow, sleet and freezing rain will affect the morning commute to work and school. Snow covered and icy road conditions will cause hazardous driving conditions. Temperatures will increase in the afternoon which will cause the precipitation to change to rain.
The Marshall County Council approved an additional appropriation of $39,000 in order to spend the funds for equipment for the Emergency Management Agency.
EMA Director Clyde Avery was recently approved for a grant worth $39,000 to purchase transportable computer system equipment for the Emergency Operations Center and recording equipment. The items have to be purchased first and then the state will reimburse the county after an invoice is submitted.
The Starke County and Marshall County Commissioners and EMA directors have implemented an advisory level travel restriction.
The advisory level is the lowest level when talking about travel restrictions. The advisory level means that routine travel or activities may be restricted in areas because of a hazardous situation. Individuals should use caution or avoid those areas. Continue reading
The Marshall County Commissioners signed grant paperwork so EMA Director Clyde Avery can order equipment. The commissioners previously approved the 2014 Department of Homeland Security grant worth $20,000 to order newer 800 MHz radios to have on hand.
Highway Administrator Laurie Baker informed the commissioners that bridge inspections are ongoing. The department has gotten a bill for $78,967 for work already completed on the first phase. The inspections are about 60 percent complete. INDOT will reimburse the county for 80 percent of the cost.
Sprint has reimbursed the Marshall County Emergency Management Agency for the interference issue with the county’s telecommunications system. EMA Director Clyde Avery says the $39,000 the FCC ordered Sprint to pay will compensate the county for the reconfiguration of the radios. Continue reading
Marshall County EMA Director Clyde Avery presented the commissioners with a grant sub agreement for their signatures for a competitive EMPG grant that the county received in the amount of $8,485.29.
Avery explained that the grant is a reimbursable grant that will be used for a training exercise and educational material for the public. When he originally requested to apply for the grant, he wanted to purchase recording equipment for the Emergency Operations Center but he found out that could not be approved with the grant funds.
The Marshall County Commissioners will meet today at 8:30 a.m. ET.
Emergency Management Agency Director Clyde Avery will update the commissioners on the emergency plan. During the last commissioners meeting, Avery explained that the emergency plan was changed after events during the winter season. Department heads said working with the EMA Director by way of virtual means would work better, but Avery believes that may not be the best solution – especially if electricity and internet services are not available.
The Marshall County commissioners will meet this morning at 9:30 a.m. ET where a packed agenda will meet the commission members.
The commissioners plan to make highway appointments and to hear updates from the CASA director, health department, building department and County Attorney James Clevenger.
A public hearing is set for 10 a.m. ET on a zoning ordinance amendment that pertains to sign standards. Anyone wishing to comment on the ordinance may appear at this time.
Marshall County EMA Director Clyde Avery said the Yellow River crested and is on its way down. In Tippecanoe, the river is out of its banks along Blackford Drive and water is seeping into the back yards of properties that sit along that portion of the river. On Monday afternoon, the river level was at 13.97 feet; major flooding occurs at 14 feet. Avery is closely monitoring both rivers.
Clyde Avery explained that it was due to be reviewed and rewritten, but all of the pieces have not yet come together to complete this task.
Marshall County Emergency Management Agency Director Clyde Avery and Plymouth Mayor Mark Senter are preparing for potential flooding issues in Marshall County and in Plymouth.
Avery told WKVI that they are preparing to monitor several areas for flooding in low-lying areas, agriculture areas and in residential areas. Avery encourages you to take all precautions necessary for potential flooding, whether that be moving to higher ground or sandbagging. Sand and sand bags are available at the old EMA office north of the highway department.
