06/07/13 Trying to combat a newspaper article, Carol Arnett, Chairman of the Fulton/Marshall American Red Cross Chapter called WTCA Thursday afternoon to let us know they are moving, but they don’t know where to.
Arnett said she received a phone call from the state office of the Red Cross in Indianapolis last Friday. They told her, “The chapter house is sold and you need to be out by June 21st.” They told her to locate several rental locations within the county and then the state would come up and review the sites and make the decision.
The condition of the Chapter house on Garro Street is not good. First and foremost, it is not handicap assessable. Although a recent Boy Scout Eagle Scout project did provide a ramp for the structure, once you are on the porch a wheelchair can’t fit through the doorway and there is a step. There are also steps to the other rooms in the structures. The 1870’s home was purchased in the early 70’s is also in need of a new roof and a new furnace and air conditioning system.
Since the Argos Town Board was meeting on Wednesday night, Arnett went and asked them about the former library could be a possible site for them. The Argos board was very welcoming and did agree to the possibility.
Arnett said in a phone interview, “We need at least 1,500 square feet with ample storage, a classroom and a couple of offices.” Storage is necessary for emergency supplies the Red Cross has on hand such as cots, blankets and bedding, a generator, and items for victims of a fire. She said the state didn’t indicate what amount of rent they are willing to pay.
Carol Arnett said the state will be in Marshall County on Monday morning at 8:30 to look at locations. She said they have six other locations in Plymouth that are on the list for consideration too.
