Posted on May 18, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Starke County Emergency Management Agency Director J. Nier and EMS Director Travis Clary attended a briefing with FEMA representatives on Thursday in order to learn more about the public financial assistance that is available to the county to help with flood relief.
EMA Director Nier explained that in order to be eligible for public assistance, the county had to reach about $85,000 spent dealing with flood recovery. Nier said that number was not only reached, but it was surpassed, with close to $2 million spent during the immediate response.
The public assistance provided deals specifically with infrastructure concerns and the federal funds will be provided on a reimbursement basis. The funding is offered to county departments including the Surveyor’s Office, the Highway Department, Debris Management, EMS, various fire departments and multiple other agencies who were involved in the flood response.
The county’s department heads will utilize a reporting portal through FEMA where they will upload their invoices directly. Director Nier said that during this process, it is imperative that department heads take detailed records of everything that a repair entails including equipment, materials, man hours and anything else that has a cost associated with it.
A FEMA representative will be in the county, working with department heads to show them how to utilize the portal.
Nier noted that once the representative is no longer working with the departments on an individual basis, individuals will still be able to reach them over the phone if any questions or concerns arise.
Additionally, Director Nier shared that she has submitted documentation to help bring individual assistance into the county as well.
She said FEMA experienced some technical difficulties with their reporting app that led to damage in multiple counties going unrecorded even though it was submitted. Nier said fortunately she had pictures and physical copies of her reports that she has since turned in for consideration.
An appeal will be submitted to FEMA, asking officials to reconsider providing individual assistance to those areas. While public assistance focuses on infrastructure, individual assistance would help impacted residents on a more personal basis.
Showing posts with label Starke County Emergency Management Agency. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Starke County Emergency Management Agency. Show all posts
Friday, May 18, 2018
Thursday, April 26, 2018
Starke County EMA Director Holds First Community Organization Active in Disaster Meeting
Posted on April 25, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Starke County Emergency Management Agency Director J. Nier hosted a meeting with community members who interested in participating in a group focused on local disaster preparation and response efforts.
Church representatives, members of the medical community and concerned citizens were among the individuals who attended the first Community Organizations Active in Disaster or COAD meeting on Tuesday night.
Director Nier explained that Starke County COAD was actually established a while ago. However, she said when she took the position in October of last year, the group had been inactive for some time. During the flooding event in February, she realized that there were certain needs that were being unmet so she’s attempting to revive the organization.
While the community had no shortage of generous donations, Nier said her office is still full of clean-up and comfort kits as well as clothing donations, the response to the event was lacking proper organization.
She said the three main things that COAD will focus on will be getting more local volunteers, establishing a donation manager and community outreach.
Volunteers will assist with various aspects of disaster response from damage assessment to working with the Red Cross. Some of the volunteer work would require additional training such as National Incident Management System (NIMS) training through FEMA and protocol classes with the Red Cross. Individuals would have to be willing to take the extra time to complete the necessary certifications.
The EMA Director said that the donation process is something that definitely needs to be addressed and potentially managed by one of the volunteers. She also mentioned the possibility of obtaining a 501-C3 non-profit classification so the group could set up a donations fund to use for future resource and housing needs.
Now that the unmet needs have been acknowledged, the next step is to set up a new Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). Nier said the most recent EOP she found was from 2009.
IU Health Starke Hospital representative Josephine Klisek noted that Director Nier could use the hospital’s plan as a template for the county and church leaders talked about providing potential shelter sites and bringing in more members of their congregation to assist with future planning.
During the remainder of April and throughout the month of May, the pioneer members will reach out to others in order to add more individuals to the network. Starke County COAD will meet again on Tuesday, June 5th at 5:30 p.m. in the meeting room of Starke County Annex Building #1.
If you have any questions about how to get involved, contact Director Nier at 574-772-9182.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Starke County Emergency Management Agency Director J. Nier hosted a meeting with community members who interested in participating in a group focused on local disaster preparation and response efforts.
Church representatives, members of the medical community and concerned citizens were among the individuals who attended the first Community Organizations Active in Disaster or COAD meeting on Tuesday night.
Director Nier explained that Starke County COAD was actually established a while ago. However, she said when she took the position in October of last year, the group had been inactive for some time. During the flooding event in February, she realized that there were certain needs that were being unmet so she’s attempting to revive the organization.
While the community had no shortage of generous donations, Nier said her office is still full of clean-up and comfort kits as well as clothing donations, the response to the event was lacking proper organization.
She said the three main things that COAD will focus on will be getting more local volunteers, establishing a donation manager and community outreach.
Volunteers will assist with various aspects of disaster response from damage assessment to working with the Red Cross. Some of the volunteer work would require additional training such as National Incident Management System (NIMS) training through FEMA and protocol classes with the Red Cross. Individuals would have to be willing to take the extra time to complete the necessary certifications.
The EMA Director said that the donation process is something that definitely needs to be addressed and potentially managed by one of the volunteers. She also mentioned the possibility of obtaining a 501-C3 non-profit classification so the group could set up a donations fund to use for future resource and housing needs.
Now that the unmet needs have been acknowledged, the next step is to set up a new Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). Nier said the most recent EOP she found was from 2009.
IU Health Starke Hospital representative Josephine Klisek noted that Director Nier could use the hospital’s plan as a template for the county and church leaders talked about providing potential shelter sites and bringing in more members of their congregation to assist with future planning.
During the remainder of April and throughout the month of May, the pioneer members will reach out to others in order to add more individuals to the network. Starke County COAD will meet again on Tuesday, June 5th at 5:30 p.m. in the meeting room of Starke County Annex Building #1.
If you have any questions about how to get involved, contact Director Nier at 574-772-9182.
Friday, November 17, 2017
Starke County Emergency Planning Committee Kick-Off Meeting Scheduled for January
Posted on November 17, 2017
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Starke County Emergency Management Agency Director J. Nier {Nigh-er} officially assumed her position back in early October. Currently, she’s working on organizing a meeting for the Starke County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) for January of next year.
Director Nier stated the responsibilities of the EMA include promoting preparedness and acting a logistical support for first responders. The LEPC specifically deals with tracking where hazardous materials are within the community and coming up with plans to take action on potential spills if they occur.
She said the Local Emergency Planning Committee is comprised of various individuals who represent specific sectors within the county.
“Basically, its made up of twelve members.” Nier said, “We’ll have somebody that represents the government, the community, EMA, police and police.”
She added that there can be more than one person from a specific department who serves on the committee. They also try to promote the use of proxies, just in case the members are unable to attend themselves. She said that LEPC isn’t open to just anyone due to the hazardous chemicals the committee members deal with and address.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Starke County Emergency Management Agency Director J. Nier {Nigh-er} officially assumed her position back in early October. Currently, she’s working on organizing a meeting for the Starke County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) for January of next year.
Director Nier stated the responsibilities of the EMA include promoting preparedness and acting a logistical support for first responders. The LEPC specifically deals with tracking where hazardous materials are within the community and coming up with plans to take action on potential spills if they occur.
She said the Local Emergency Planning Committee is comprised of various individuals who represent specific sectors within the county.
“Basically, its made up of twelve members.” Nier said, “We’ll have somebody that represents the government, the community, EMA, police and police.”
She added that there can be more than one person from a specific department who serves on the committee. They also try to promote the use of proxies, just in case the members are unable to attend themselves. She said that LEPC isn’t open to just anyone due to the hazardous chemicals the committee members deal with and address.
Monday, April 24, 2017
Meeting Scheduled to Address Starke County Emergency Communications Issues
Posted on April 24, 2017
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The Starke County Emergency Management Agency wants to get stakeholders in the county’s radio communications system together in an attempt to solve problems with both VHF and 800 mHz systems.
The county commissioners last week charged EMA Director Jake Lippner with resolving the matter. He wants to set up a committee with representatives from every agency on the county’s system as well as anyone with knowledge of those systems or communications as a whole. Lippner says that also includes outside agencies that work on the system.
He says the focus will be to try and find the most effective, long-term fix for both the communication process and system. Lippner wants members to brainstorm and develop a five-year plan for the system and project.
He notes the radio system affects everyone in the community. Firefighters, sheriff’s deputies, police officers, EMS personnel and first responders use radios to communication among themselves and with Starke County dispatchers. Significant dead spots have been noted in Koontz Lake since a storm toppled a tower in downtown Knox several years ago. Lippner wants a clear path toward resolving the issues before offering a recommended fix to the Starke County Commissioners.
The committee’s first meeting will take place Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the meeting room at the county annex building. Lippner asks anyone with a radio that is on the Starke County systems to either attend or send a proxy.
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The Starke County Emergency Management Agency wants to get stakeholders in the county’s radio communications system together in an attempt to solve problems with both VHF and 800 mHz systems.
The county commissioners last week charged EMA Director Jake Lippner with resolving the matter. He wants to set up a committee with representatives from every agency on the county’s system as well as anyone with knowledge of those systems or communications as a whole. Lippner says that also includes outside agencies that work on the system.
He says the focus will be to try and find the most effective, long-term fix for both the communication process and system. Lippner wants members to brainstorm and develop a five-year plan for the system and project.
He notes the radio system affects everyone in the community. Firefighters, sheriff’s deputies, police officers, EMS personnel and first responders use radios to communication among themselves and with Starke County dispatchers. Significant dead spots have been noted in Koontz Lake since a storm toppled a tower in downtown Knox several years ago. Lippner wants a clear path toward resolving the issues before offering a recommended fix to the Starke County Commissioners.
The committee’s first meeting will take place Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the meeting room at the county annex building. Lippner asks anyone with a radio that is on the Starke County systems to either attend or send a proxy.
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
Starke Commissioners Reject Communications Invoice, Suggest Committee to Address Radio Woes
Posted on April 19, 2017
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The Starke County Commissioners voted unanimously Monday to reject an invoice for repairs to the county’s radio system. They agreed vendor J&K Communications did not adequately fix the system as promised and contend they used existing equipment without authorization. J&K has since told the commissioners they need to spend an additional $4,000 on a new VHF antenna to ensure adequate county-wide coverage.
The issue is part of an ongoing emergency communications problem that has plagued the county since a radio tower in downtown Knox was toppled by strong winds several years ago. It could not be replaced due to height restrictions within the city limits. As a result, there are dead spots in Koontz Lake and North Judson. Members of the Koontz Lake Volunteer Fire Department struggle to communicate with dispatchers.
Starke County Emergency Management Agency Director Jake Lippner has spoken to another vendor who recommended installing two additional towers at a cost of between $2 and $3 million. He’s reached out to two other companies for proposals but has yet to receive any information. Lippner told the commissioners he’s waiting for direction from them before proceeding.
The commissioners recommended a committee be formed to look into the issue and suggested former EMA Director Ted Bombagetti, who now works for the state, and former county IT director and volunteer firefighter Joe Short serve on it. They also told Lippner to stay on the vendors he’s contacted until he gets information.
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The Starke County Commissioners voted unanimously Monday to reject an invoice for repairs to the county’s radio system. They agreed vendor J&K Communications did not adequately fix the system as promised and contend they used existing equipment without authorization. J&K has since told the commissioners they need to spend an additional $4,000 on a new VHF antenna to ensure adequate county-wide coverage.
The issue is part of an ongoing emergency communications problem that has plagued the county since a radio tower in downtown Knox was toppled by strong winds several years ago. It could not be replaced due to height restrictions within the city limits. As a result, there are dead spots in Koontz Lake and North Judson. Members of the Koontz Lake Volunteer Fire Department struggle to communicate with dispatchers.
Starke County Emergency Management Agency Director Jake Lippner has spoken to another vendor who recommended installing two additional towers at a cost of between $2 and $3 million. He’s reached out to two other companies for proposals but has yet to receive any information. Lippner told the commissioners he’s waiting for direction from them before proceeding.
The commissioners recommended a committee be formed to look into the issue and suggested former EMA Director Ted Bombagetti, who now works for the state, and former county IT director and volunteer firefighter Joe Short serve on it. They also told Lippner to stay on the vendors he’s contacted until he gets information.
Thursday, August 18, 2016
Please Report Flood or Storm Damage
The Starke County Emergency Management Agency is asking anyone who suffered flood or storm damage to their residence or business (located in Starke County), to please report it by calling 574-772-9182.
We are collecting this information in order to see if we meet the threshold requirements to be able to apply for state or federal disaster assistance.
Please remember that reporting damage is NOT a guarantee for assistance. It is simply the first step in the process of determining if assistance can be pursued.
We are collecting this information in order to see if we meet the threshold requirements to be able to apply for state or federal disaster assistance.
Please remember that reporting damage is NOT a guarantee for assistance. It is simply the first step in the process of determining if assistance can be pursued.
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Starke County Looks to Expand WorkOne Partnership
Posted on June 28, 2016
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The Starke County Commissioners hope to expand their success with a WorkOne job training program to other departments within county government. Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler was the first to take advantage of the agency’s offer of free help to teach young people so-called “soft skills” like showing up to work on time, following directions and adhering to a schedule. WorkOne pays the employees to hone their job skills, and there is no cost to the county.
Last week Starke County Maintenance Director Jim Coad received approval from the commissioners to hire one or two assistants through the program to help with custodial work throughout the county.
The commissioners also suggested Starke County Emergency Management Agency Director Jacob Lippner speak to WorkOne about a program participant to help with clerical work in his office. Lippner says having the extra help would free him up to focus on other areas. He says the prospective helper will also have the opportunity to complete free FEMA training in order to learn valuable job skills.
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The Starke County Commissioners hope to expand their success with a WorkOne job training program to other departments within county government. Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler was the first to take advantage of the agency’s offer of free help to teach young people so-called “soft skills” like showing up to work on time, following directions and adhering to a schedule. WorkOne pays the employees to hone their job skills, and there is no cost to the county.
Last week Starke County Maintenance Director Jim Coad received approval from the commissioners to hire one or two assistants through the program to help with custodial work throughout the county.
The commissioners also suggested Starke County Emergency Management Agency Director Jacob Lippner speak to WorkOne about a program participant to help with clerical work in his office. Lippner says having the extra help would free him up to focus on other areas. He says the prospective helper will also have the opportunity to complete free FEMA training in order to learn valuable job skills.
Monday, December 21, 2015
From Starke County Emergency Management
LEPC Legal Notice
The Starke County Local Emergency Planning Committee will hold its meetings for the year 2016 at 9:00AM (CST) at the Starke County Annex Building 53 E Mound Street Knox, Indiana 46534 on the following dates: January 20, February 17, May 18, July 20, September 21, and November 16 and at such other times as shall be duly authorized by the Committee or its Chairman. All interested parties are encouraged to attend.
The Starke County Local Emergency Plan for Hazardous Materials Incidents may be reviewed during regular business hours at the office of the Emergency Management Agency at 53 E Mound Street Knox Indiana 46534. All information filed covers SARA Title III facilities in Starke County may be reviewed during regular office hours at the office of the Emergency Management Agency at 53 E Mound Street Knox Indiana 46534. Copies of documents may be obtained at this office, and the Committee may charge a fee for copies. For further information on these matters, please contact Jacob W. Lippner, Chairman, at 574-772-9182.
The Starke County Local Emergency Planning Committee will hold its meetings for the year 2016 at 9:00AM (CST) at the Starke County Annex Building 53 E Mound Street Knox, Indiana 46534 on the following dates: January 20, February 17, May 18, July 20, September 21, and November 16 and at such other times as shall be duly authorized by the Committee or its Chairman. All interested parties are encouraged to attend.
The Starke County Local Emergency Plan for Hazardous Materials Incidents may be reviewed during regular business hours at the office of the Emergency Management Agency at 53 E Mound Street Knox Indiana 46534. All information filed covers SARA Title III facilities in Starke County may be reviewed during regular office hours at the office of the Emergency Management Agency at 53 E Mound Street Knox Indiana 46534. Copies of documents may be obtained at this office, and the Committee may charge a fee for copies. For further information on these matters, please contact Jacob W. Lippner, Chairman, at 574-772-9182.
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
EMA Director Worries About Effect of Rain on Crops
Published: June 16, 2015
By: Mary Perren, WKVI
The continued rains have left many area farmers up a creek,
so to speak. Starke County Emergency Management Agency Director Ted Bombagetti
told the county commissioners last night many have sustained significant losses
as a result of standing water. He adds it will be too late for them to replant
by the time their fields dry out. Bombagetti has made a formal request for
“saturated soil” assistance to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and
is waiting for a response.
The rain has also washed away a significant amount of
nitrogen and other nutrients farmers put on their fields. Bombagetti says this
will be a major impact on the county’s agricultural industry.
He also advised the commissioners Starke County EMA is
working with property owners who sustained damage when a tornado touched down
west of North Judson last Sunday. After they exhaust all of their insurance
reimbursement options Bombagetti can send crews in to help. Starke County did
not sustain enough damage to qualify for a state or federal disaster
declaration.
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