All posts by Lenny Dessauer

Marshall County Commissioners Approve Amendment to Purchasing Policy

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

The Marshall County Commissioners this week discussed a prepayment limit for department heads.

Commissioner Deb Griewank suggested the change to the purchase ordinance so department heads can make county equipment purchases with a personal credit card that does not exceed $750. She said that it was brought to her attention that sometimes different departments need to buy something online but don’t have the time to wait for commissioner approval. Buildings and maintenance directors can find items on eBay for cheaper but then they have to wait to purchase the items pending approval. Time could cost them.

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Culver Works Toward EMS Staffing Solutions

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

The Culver Town Council met yesterday to review what some board members consider a recurring lack of volunteers with the Town’s EMS Department over the last five years.

Due to Culver’s size and perhaps department set-up, the Emergency Medical Services Department often lacks adequate staffing. A special session was held Monday to aid in reviewing the matter.
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Plymouth BZA Tables Sign Variance Request

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

The Plymouth Board of Zoning Appeals considered a request to have more than two signs and to reduce the front setback at a business located at 309 E. Jefferson Street.

Representative Jon Webster owns Mooney’s, a business within a group of companies inside the building at that location. He told the quorum of BZA members that he has an ice cream parlor sign up at the corner of the property. He stated that he would like to keep his sign up where it is to help advertise his business. Webster was told to come before the BZA to make that request.

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Advisory Travel Level Now in Effect in Marshall County

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

The travel advisory level in Marshall County has been lowered.

According to Marshall County EMA Director Clyde Avery, road conditions have improved so the commissioners have determined that an advisory level travel status be issued. An advisory travel level means that routine travel or activities may be restricted in areas because of a hazardous situation and drivers should use caution or avoid those areas.

Avery reminds motorists that roads remain snow-covered and slick in spots. Reduce speed and leave ample room between you an other vehicles to help prevent accidents.

Gasoline Prices on Upward Trend

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

Motorists saw gasoline prices on a downward trend for several months, but for the past few days the price has increased slightly.

According to AAA Hoosier Motor Club, prices for unleaded gasoline declined a record 123 consecutive days to $2.03 a gallon. The price increased last week for the first time since Sept. 25 of last year.

The national average price of gas is $2.06 which is approximately $1.22 less per gallon than one year ago. AAA estimates that $365 million less per day is spent on gasoline nationwide. Indiana’s current statewide average price is $2.17 a gallon.

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Fight for Public Transportation Funds Goes to Legislature

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

budget-2Public transportation offered by Marshall County Council on Aging is in high demand. Funding to keep up with the demand has caused legislators to get involved.

The Public Mass Transportation Fund has not received any additional money for seven years. The funding is distributed among 65 public and nonprofit agencies that are offering transportation by reservation or on-demand. Often officials at the Marshall County Council on Aging have to turn down requests for trips due to lack of drivers, vehicles and available money.

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Better Business Bureau Warns of Questionnaire Scam

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

If you received an email that claims to be a Better Business Bureau standard business questionnaire, BBB officials warn you not to open the attachment.

The email went out on Friday morning to businesses across the country. The email has a ZIP file attachment that links to a site that can download malware on the user’s computer. Ben Steinberg, Chief Information Officer for the Council of Better Business Bureaus, said security vendors were immediately notified, and the website will be taken offline.

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Winter Storm Warning Remains in Effect

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for the MAX-FM listening area through 7 a.m. EST/6 a.m. CST. A combination of light and blowing and drifting snow will make travel difficult to impossible, and some unplowed roads are likely impassable. Motorists should only travel in an emergency. If you do venture out, be sure to take a flashlight, extra food and water, a shovel, blankets, jumper cables, a cell phone charger and sand or kitty litter to use for traction should you become stuck. Continue reading →

Marshall County Safety Committee Utilizes Communication Strategy in Severe Storms

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

The Marshall County Safety Committee met last week to discuss winter storm events like the one experienced this weekend.

The school superintendents and safety personnel from Marshall County schools say that communication between the sheriff’s department, schools and the highway department is solid. They all work together to discuss road conditions that help superintendents and transportation officials make decisions about the status of school for the day.

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Winter Storm Warning in Effect

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning that is in effect from 10 p.m. ET on Saturday until 7 a.m. ET on Monday.

Ten to 15 inches of snow is expected in this storm. The period of heaviest snow is expected during the daytime on Sunday into Sunday evening. The snow should taper off late Sunday night.

Periods of heavy snow with blowing and drifting snow will make travel difficult or impossible. Visibility will be reduced to zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow.

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