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Delaware County declares local disaster emergency after June storms
Summary
The Delaware County Commissioners on June 25, 2026 declared a local disaster emergency (2026-004) after storms from June 6–22 caused flooding, wind and tornadic-like damage; the declaration opens the door to state and federal public and individual assistance, though funds were not immediately available.
On Thursday, June 25, 2026, the Delaware County Commissioners declared a local disaster emergency (declaration 2026-004) after a series of storms from June 6 through June 22 that caused flooding, high winds and tornadic-like damage across the county.
Commissioner Henry read the declaration during a special meeting and cited state law as the basis for the finding. "Now, therefore, we, the Board of Commissioners of Delaware County, Indiana, hereby declare ... that a local disaster emergency exists," the text says, adding the declaration would be effective immediately and remain in place for at least 30 days.
The declaration is a procedural step that would allow the county to apply for state and federal aid if those programs open. EMA director Corey Kiseck told commissioners he and his team "on June 11th ... surveyed 41 residential properties" and submitted damage assessments to the state; the National Weather Service and a Department of Homeland Security representative later verified the assessments for individual assistance eligibility. Kiseck explained two separate forms of assistance: public assistance (PA) to reimburse government entities for infrastructure and response costs, and individual assistance (IA) for residents with eligible losses. "This doesn't guarantee money for anybody," Kiseck said, stressing the declaration enables applications but does not itself deliver funds.
The declaration lists specific authorities and powers the board activated, including authorizing the use of emergency funds, activating county disaster plans and temporarily suspending the normal bidding process to expedite remediation work. Commissioners said the declaration covers damage within county boundaries, including areas in the city of Muncie and the town of Selma, and staff reported coordination with those jurisdictions.
A motion to approve the declaration was moved and seconded; in the roll call that followed, Commissioners Henry, Brand and Reagan voted yes and the declaration was approved. The board then moved to recess.
Next steps described by county staff included making damage estimates available to the state and preparing to submit public assistance documentation should PA be opened by the state; officials said residents who believe they qualify for individual assistance may apply once the appropriate programs are available.
