January 27, 2014
01/27/14 Strong winds are causing extensive blowing and drifting of roads making them hazardous to travel or, in some cases, impassable. Due to the deteriorating conditions, the Marshall County Board of Commissioners has issued an emergency declaration regarding travel upon roadways in the un-incorporated areas of Marshall County. Additionally, the Mayor of Plymouth has asked that the city be included in the declaration.
The Commissioners, in accordance with Marshall County Ordinance Number 2011-16, have issued a “Warning Level” Travel Advisory Emergency Declaration effective from 0600 hours today’s date. A “Warning Level” Travel Advisory Emergency Declaration means that a state of emergency has been declared.
In accordance with a “Warning Level” Travel Advisory Emergency Declaration, the following orders are in place:
1. No travel is permitted on Marshall County roads until the Order closing the roads has been terminated by the Board of Commissioners of the county, provided that the Order does not prohibit travel on county roads by individuals engaged in employment necessary to (1) maintain safe rail system, (2) restore utility service, or (3) provide any other emergency public service; and
2. The driver or person in charge of a vehicle, whether or not stalled, that impedes, obstructs, prohibits, impairs, or interferes with highway snow removal crews or emergency personnel and vehicles responding to an emergency may be directed to remove the vehicle from the county road; and
3. A person who stops, parks or leaves a vehicle shall leave sufficient unobstructed width of the roadway opposite the vehicle for the free passage of other vehicles and a clear view of the stopped vehicle from a distance of two hundred (200) feet in either direction (I.C. 9-21-16-2); and
4. It is unlawful for a person to knowingly fail to comply with a lawful order or directions of a law enforcement officer invested by law with the authority to direct, control or regulate traffic (I.C. 9-21-8-1).
Violations of the provisions listed in Section 2, Section 3, or Section 4 above is cause for action to enforce State statutes and may result in the entry of judgment of fines up to Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for a Class C Infraction (I.C. 9-21-5-13, I.C. 9-21-16-9, and I.C. 9-21-8-49).
The Disaster Emergency Declaration shall remain in effect until it has been determined that these conditions are no longer a threat to the safety of the public by the Marshall County Board of Commissioners.
For your safety, we are asking all citizens to comply with the necessary emergency measures, and to cooperate fully with public officials.
For additional information regarding the Emergency Declaration or emergency preparedness information you can contact the Marshall County Emergency Management Agency at 936-3740.
