National Weather Service Extends Tippecanoe River Flood Warning
Tippecanoe River flooding remains a possibility through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service. The flood warning for the river at Ora has been extended until late Saturday night. Moderate flooding is occurring along the river now as a result of recent, heavy rainfall. The river was holding steady at 13.1 feet last night at 9. Flood stage is 12 feet. The river is expected to fall below that level early Saturday. Additional rain is in the forecast, and that could add to the problem. Motorists are reminded to “turn around, don’t drown.” If water is over the roadway, don’t try to drive through it, as the road may be washed out underneath.
Work on Monterey Bridge Project Halted This Week
Bret Smiley, construction manager with United Consulting, said that work has halted on the project for this week as flooding was an issue. A contractor will be on-site to clear water from the area today or tomorrow to prepare for more concrete work on Monday.
Pulaski County Assessor’s Office Move Still On Hold
Search for Eastern Pulaski Superintendent Continues
Current Superintendent Dr. Robert Klitzman announced his retirement in March and will leave the corporation after his contract expires June 30. He has been at the helm for the past 26 years.
Pulaski Health Dept. Offers Free Mosquito Wipes, Repellant
Most people who get infected with West Nile virus do not show any symptoms, though some people develop a mild illness called West Nile Fever. This mild illness gets better on its own; no treatment is necessary. However, a small number of people – that is, less than 1 in 100 – who get infected with West Nile virus develop severe symptoms such as headache, high fever, stiff neck, mental confusion, muscle weakness, tremors, convulsions, coma, and paralysis.
Food Finders Mobile Pantry Heads to Medaryville
Possible items to be distributed include frozen meat, baked goods, beverages, vegetables, snacks, and cereal, and the organization is requesting that participants bring a laundry basket or box in which to carry the food home.
Tippecanoe River Crests at 14.65 Feet, Now Receding
Pulaski Commissioners Discuss Call-Out Pay for Highway Dept. Employees
Local Pastor to Be Ordained As a Methodist Elder
Rev. Matthew Landry has studied for eight years and has gone through the preparation process in order to get to this step. When he is ordained during the “Celebration of Ministry: Commissioning and Ordination” ceremony, he will be the youngest ordained elder in the Indiana Conference.
Arson Suspected in Winamac House Fire
Fire Chief Bill Weaver stated that the firefighters have been called to that abandoned residence four times. The Indiana State Fire Marshal was called to the scene after the fire started the second time and all accidental causes have been ruled out.
Pulaski Commissioners Approve Server Replacement
Tippecanoe River Flood Warning Remains In Effect
Major flooding is expected for the Tippecanoe River near Ora as a result of recent heavy rainfall. The National Weather Service has placed Starke, Pulaski and Marshall Counties under a flood warning until further notice. Moderate flooding is already occurring, and major flooding is forecast. The flood stage for the Tippecanoe River at Ora is 12 feet. As of 7 p.m. Sunday it was at 13.9 feet and rising. At 15 feet, near-record flooding is in progress.
Storms Wreak Havoc in Kankakee Valley Area
Fierce storms whipped through the Kankakee Valley area Friday night causing damage.
The storm caused flooding in Pulaski County where over three inches of rain fell in a half-hour period. A Pulaski County officer noted to dispatch that the water was up over the hood of his squad car while in the town of Winamac. The drains couldn’t keep up with the amount of water that fell in that short amount of time. Several cars were stranded in the road during the storm, several trees fell, a power outage was reported, and several roads washed out as a result of the rushing water. Homeowners may also need to deal with roofing damages due to heavy rains and strong winds. Businesses have been affected as well, making commercial roof replacement companies a bit busier than usual for this time of year.
The Pulaski County Highway Department was out Saturday patching up the roads and cutting up the many trees that fell in the road.
Luckily, no injuries were reported.
The Melody Drive-In theater at Bass Lake suffered damage as well with the demolition of Screen One. The Starke County Sheriff’s Department received a couple of other notices of trees down but no other damage.
Marshall County Emergency Management Agency Director Clyde Avery said there is ponding in fields in the Marshall County area and he’s monitoring river levels after the storms. Trees were reported down in the area, but no injuries were reported.
Photos by Denice Daggett and William Boldt
PCCF to Hold Grads in Action Program, Scholarship Recognition June 15
Monterey Town Council Mulling Over Rate Study, Waste Water Project
West Central Students Take Part in JA for a Day Program
Sixth grade students at West Central Middle School took part in Junior Achievement’s Global Marketplace program on Friday, May 10.
Community businessmen and businesswomen served as mentors volunteering their time and sharing their life experiences with the students to make the program a success.
Summer Cool Program Begins June 3
Memorial Service Held at Pulaski County Justice Center
Help the Panhandle Pathway During National Trails Day
Kelly Hines, head of the Publicity Committee for the Panhandle Pathway, said that they are looking to get volunteers to help clean up the trail that boasts a length of more than 22 miles. Hines encourages everyone to meet up at one of the trail heads in Winamac, Star City or Royal Center at 8 a.m. ET on Saturday, June 1 to help clean the trail. She said they will provide trash bags, gloves, and directions to get started.
