Pulaski County Commissioners Get Update on FEMA Damage Assessment

Pulaski County is looking to get some federal help to repair flood damage. Representatives from FEMA and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security met with various local officials last week, according to Pulaski County EMA Director Sheri Gaillard. “We really don’t have any information. They couldn’t tell us if we met the threshold or not,” she told the county commissioners Monday. “They just went over our dollar amounts and praised us for our documentation. Everything was good there. The next step is to turn it over to the governor to see if the State of Indiana meets the threshold. If we’ve met the threshold, they will then give all that information to FEMA.”

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City of Knox Streets Open, Wastewater Treatment Plant Back to Normal Functions

Picture Source: Indiana DNR District 10 FB Page Knox Center Township Fire Department Assists DNR with Rescue

All of the roads closed due to flooding in the City of Knox are now open. Knox Street Superintendent Jeff Borg told the Board of Works members Wednesday morning that rerouting the truck traffic helped keep trucks out of danger and be on more solid roads.

The city had 60 tons of sand available for sand bags and the county brought in another 50 tons of sand to fill sand bags. Borg said about 10 tons of sand remain for city use. Any sand bags that are no longer needed may soon be collected and the sand re-deposited at the city street department.

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Local Disaster Emergency Declared for Starke County

The Starke County Commissioners have declared a local disaster emergency. It says that Starke County “has been impacted and is immediately threatened by widespread flooding along rivers and streams, in low elevation areas and elsewhere throughout the county.” As part of the declaration, citizens are urged to comply with emergency measures, cooperate with public officials in executing emergency operations plans, and obey the directions of officers.

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Indiana Department of Homeland Security Collecting Property Damage Reports, Following Flooding

Those who’ve experienced property damage due to recent flooding can report it to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. Department officials say homeowners, renters, businesses, and non-profit organizations can all report uninsured damage caused by severe storms and flooding since February 15. That could include structural damage to homes, as well as the loss of personal property.

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Wednesday Travel Alerts and Road Closures in Pulaski and Starke Counties

Though the rain has stopped for now, there are still several roads in Starke and Pulaski Counties that are closed due to flooding and high water.

Starke County High Way Superintendent Rik Ritzler warns drivers that it is imperative to refrain from driving down the flooded area of a roadway. He said those roads are closed for a reason, and if you get stuck your rescue could divert resources that may be needed elsewhere.

He added that Starke County is on an orange “Watch” level travel alert due to flooding. He explained that a “Watch” means that conditions are threatening to the safety of the public. Continue reading