Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center in Plymouth and Mishawaka are among those hospitals implementing restrictions, prohibiting any visitors under the age of 18 and allowing only healthy adults to visit. In addition, only two visitors per patient are allowed at a time.
Pulaski County deputes went to 504 N. U.S. Highway 421 in Medaryville and the renter, Carl Larkin, allowed two deputies inside the residence. In plain view, officers reportedly identified marijuana, drug paraphernalia, methamphetamine, syringes, and precursors.
The pantry will open at Pulaski County Human Services, located at 115 W. Pearl St., on Friday, Jan. 17 at 11 a.m. Food is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, and is available to those who meet 185 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.
Superintendent Charles Mellon stated that those would be available sometime in February and stressed that they would be supplied and available for an emergency situation only.
“The law permits parents to waive their right so the schools are busy now sending out the information letters as this new policy takes effect in February,” said Mellon. “We hope we never have to use this device but we do have policy now that says we do have it available. We would save a life if we ever got into that situation. Once again, I want to stress that parents do have a waiver with that.”
In addition to the candidates previously listed, Pulaski County, Republicans Tracy Rossman-Bryson and Steven J. VanDerAa have filed for coroner by the end of the week last week
The West Central School Board members received Superintendent Charles Mellon’s letter last week during their regular meeting.
Marshall County EMA Director Clyde Avery said a half an inch to an inch of rain forecast, plus above-freezing temperatures to help melt the snow pack will produce flooding in the area. This is also the case for Starke, LaPorte and Pulaski Counties.
“Jim Bergens was elected president,”stated Superintendent Charles Mellon. “Dennis Gutwein was elected vice president which is his second term and the same with Kerry Miller as secretary. It’s his second time in.”
West Central Schools Superintendent Charles Mellon stated that he has filed the proper paperwork to have Monday and Tuesday forgiven as no school was in session either day. He also included an attachment of a notice sent by Pulaski County officials stating that the county was under a condition on Wednesday where emergency vehicles were the only approved vehicles to be on the roadways.
Mellon hopes that the school’s built in snow days will not need to utilized and the state will approve all three days.
Culver Community Schools will use Monday, Jan. 20 as a make up day for the cancellation of school on Wednesday, Jan. 8.
Wednesday was the first day that candidates could file for office in a county clerk’s office.
In Pulaski County, three candidates filed their intentions to run in the 2014 May Primary Election. They include Tasha L. (Crist) Foerg (R) for clerk, Jeffery K. Richwine (R) for sheriff, and Lorena H. “Holly” VanDerAa (R) for assessor.
A Wind Chill Advisory remains in effect for the entire WKVI listening area through mid-morning Wednesday. Deadly wind chills of between 15 and 20 below zero can be expected this evening and tonight. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur quickly when very cold air and strong winds combine like this. If you do have to be outdoors, be sure to wear a hat, gloves and protect any exposed skin.
Starke County roads are open for essential travel, such as trips to and from work or emergency situations. Pulaski County is still under a travel advisory warning, which means non-emergency travelers are subject to receiving tickets, and Marshall County is under no restriction whatsoever. Those decisions are made by the commissioners of each county.
Check travel advisory levels for all 92 Indiana Counties:
http://www.in.gov/dhs/traveladvisory/
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Most roads across Northwest Indiana are now passable. However, it’s still too cold for road salt to be effective, so a sheet of ice should be expected on all roads across northwest Indiana. Conditions may get worse overnight when any thawing and melting that has occurred during the day may refreeze. Deichley adds icy conditions likely won’t improve until later in the day tomorrow when temperatures are expected to become more favorable for chemical melting agents and plows to achieve optimal results. Until then, INDOT is asking the public to refrain from any non-emergency travel. Those who must travel are asked to be prepared for these conditions before leaving and to adjust driving behaviors in order to arrive at destinations safely. Take it slow, leave plenty of room between vehicles and give plows ample space to work.
INDOT snow plow drivers are fighting a losing battle with Mother Nature as they try to clear snow from the roads. They advise blowing and drifting snow has intensified and icy conditions persist on nearly all roadways. All roads should be considered extremely slick and hazardous, and motorists are discouraged from driving in non-emergency situations.
The sub-zero temperatures are wreaking havoc on plow trucks and other heavy machinery, and this is forcing repairs in the midst of plow routes. Roads are also drifting shut soon after they are cleared by plows, and abandoned vehicles on some roadways are making it impossible to clear them. Additionally, road salt is less effective in these frigid temperatures, making it very difficult to remove hard-pack snow and ice without a spike in temperatures. INDOT officials stress that motorist safety is their primary concern when they ask people to stay off the roads. If you insist on being out, take it slow and carry a charged cell phone and emergency kit in your car. Remember, these road conditions are slowing response times for police, firefighters, EMTS and tow trucks. Frostbite and hypothermia can develop very quickly on exposed skin, and you may freeze to death before help arrives.
The entire WKVI listening area is covered by a gubernatorial disaster declaration. Gov. Mike Pence issued the declaration for 29 Indiana counties. State law allows him to do so by executive order if he determines that a disaster involving widespread or severe damage, injury or loss of life or property has occurred or that the occurrence or threat of a disaster is imminent. Pence’s declaration covers the storm system that set up across the state on Sunday and allows the executive director of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security to coordinate all necessary assistance with appropriate federal, state and local agencies.
Click below to view a copy of Gov. Mike Pence’s Executive Order
