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Marshall County EMA reports tornadoes, secures AARP grant and pushes for part‑time deputy
Summary
County EMA director reported three confirmed tornadoes in June, no federal disaster declaration, activation of a shelter and cooling centers, acceptance of an AARP grant for up to 115 weather radios, and the board approved a $50,000 reimbursement contingent on LEPC training attendance.
Marshall County Emergency Management Director Jack told commissioners on July 6 that the county experienced significant storm activity this spring and early summer, including three confirmed tornadoes on June 11. Damage assessments did not meet the federal threshold for a disaster declaration, though the EMA opened a shelter in Bourbon and conducted multi‑agency coordination calls during severe weather threats.
Jack said the EMA received an AARP Community Challenge grant to purchase up to 115 weather radios for distribution to older adults; the board voted to accept the grant so the program can begin procurement and distribution. He also described ongoing planning work: updating the county emergency plan, creating hazmat and CEMP annexes, organizing national‑level disaster training courses locally and scheduling the LABC exercise (an anhydrous‑ammonia leak simulation) for Aug. 29.
Jack told commissioners he had requested a part‑time deputy director position through the personnel committee; the request was denied at that level but he intends to continue seeking the position given the staffing demands from recent responses. Commissioners acknowledged the staffing strain and the rarity of single‑staffed EMA offices in counties of comparable size.
On a related funding item, commissioners approved a motion to condition $50,000 reimbursements for two township volunteer fire departments on their participation in the August 29 LEPC exercise. The chair explained the original grant language required participation in EMA training; the board’s motion ties disbursement to attendance at the exercise to ensure compliance.
Jack also reported weekly outdoor warning‑siren tests coordinated with fire and sheriff departments to improve public awareness and system reliability, and said he plans to take the comprehensive emergency plan and annexes to the council for final approval at year end. He described outreach with United Way to explore a community disaster fund in case federal individual assistance is limited.
