Hoosiers can report damage from Sunday’s severe storms online, and they are encouraged to report all damages. That was the message from Kosciusko County Emergency Management Director Ed Rock for the county commissioners this morning.

Residents who sustained property damage caused by severe weather Nov. 17 are encouraged to report any and all damage. A link to the form is available on Indiana Department of Homeland Security’s website.

Individuals will be asked to provide their name, address, phone number and the type of damage the property sustained. Losses can include structural damage to homes and loss of personal property. Those with damage to homes especially needs to be reported, said Rock, because “… it’s what will get us federal funds.” Any towns or cities that need to report damage may also do so online.

Rock said, “We did have significant damage, especially in the southern part of the county in Mentone and Silver Lake.” He said Silver Lake did have an EF-2 tornado strike and straight line wind damage occurred. (See related)

Those without Internet access may use computers at local libraries, community centers or other public facilities. If none of those options are available, people may also contact the county emergency management office to report damage. The number is 574-371-2602. The information will be used to help local emergency management agencies and Indiana Department of Homeland Security preliminary assess damage to determine if federal assistance can be pursued.

Rock said power has been restored to most of the county. “We are recovering well,” he added.

A comprehensive emergency management plan has been revised. It was last revised in 2003. The last step was for the commissioners to approve the plan and sign it. Rock said no procedures have changed, just various agencies specific responsibilities have. “This is what we will use for disaster response,” said Rock of the plan.

A property vacation in Winona Lake was approved during this morning’s meeting. The three petitioners, Chapman, Finley and Wilson, want to vacate public rights of way near Winona Beach. Commissioners decided to leave two public walkways open and not vacate them. A promenade, however, will be vacated.

Two open houses will be held for re-mapping all flood plains. The public is invited to attend one of the open houses, which will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, at the Justice Building in Warsaw. Preliminary maps may be viewed at www.floodmaps.in.gov.

In highway matters, bids were awarded for 2014 supplies. Also, the highway department received a $10,000 grant from INDOT to close a railroad crossing at Old SR 15 near North Street in Milford, near the new Trupointe plant. A grant was also awarded for pavement markings and warning signs for railroad crossings at 28 locations in the county. The reimbursement grant is for $38,618.70.

In other news, the board:

• Approved $10,000 to be given to Orthoworx, but not to increase funding.
• Approved the county’s purchase of property at 211 W. Fort Wayne St., Warsaw. The closing is scheduled for Dec. 2.