Starke County Emergency Management

08/25/2026

August 25, 2026
State Road 8 to close between La Crosse and Knox
LA PORTE COUNTY, Ind. - Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Dunnet Bay Construction Company will close State Road 8 between C.R. 400 W and State Road 39 on or after Wednesday, September 2.

State Road 8 will be closed for approximately three weeks for a bridge deck overlay preventive maintenance project. Motorists should seek alternate routes. The official detour will follow U.S. 421, U.S. 30 and State Road 39.

08/18/2026

Below is a link to the IDHS Disaster Hub. In addition to 211 that is available, IDHS created a one stop page to capture information. You can also visit the IDHS page.

DHS Home The August 2026 Severe Weather Disaster Visit the Information Hub Disaster assistance Hoosier Responder magazine EMS grants Acadis Portal Public Safety Portal IDHS Services Gateway PSID Info Apps, Forms, Permits Building Safety Building plan review Filing status Plan review process File an....

08/10/2026

08/10/2026

I wanted to take a moment on behalf of Don Binkley and the rest of us who comprise the Starke County EMA Advisory Council to thank Victoria for her service to the County. Some may not know that she served in other departments and has been instrumental on the PTBOA as well. That said, she has been an asset as the EMA Director and has helped us grow EMA and LEPC while gaining much respect amongst her peers and other emergency agencies that she has worked with. Recently, she was recognized by the State for her leadership and contribution to the Big Boy Train event in Starke County. While I don't want to steal her thunder about the details of her next endeavor, we can assure the Red American Red Cross that they are gaining a super new member to their team. Godspeed Victoria Chessor and much gratitude from Starke County. For anyone concerned about EMA, please feel free to contact dispatch as always including 911 if there is an emergency.

08/04/2026

The absolute best part of Emergency Management is the teamwork. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work alongside fellow EMAs and an outstanding group of first responders. No mission is ever accomplished by one person alone. It takes a team of dedicated professionals who trust one another, communicate effectively, and are willing to step up when it matters most.

The event mentioned in the post below is a perfect example of strong leadership coming together with highly skilled, hardworking responders. Watching everyone work side by side, each bringing their own expertise to the table, is a reminder of what makes the emergency services community so special. I’m truly grateful to be part of a team that exemplifies professionalism, dedication, and a shared commitment to serving others.

Tori of the Starke County Emergency Management Agency is recognized for successfully planning and executing a complex Emergency Operations Support Plan. In doing so, she led the city and county planning team and arranged support from neighboring counties and the state to ensure the safety of 15,000 visitors. Tori exemplifies leadership, competence and passion for the wellbeing of the people of Indiana.

Read more EMA Appreciation Week nominations at https://on.in.gov/ema-week.

08/04/2026

07/17/2026

There is a Marginal-Slight Risk of Severe Storms Sat between 1-7 pm EDT. Confidence is medium. Main threat will be damaging wind, and possibly large hail. Heavy rain and frequent lightning are also threats.

07/17/2026

As I reflect on today’s Big Boy event, I am filled with gratitude for everyone who played a part in making it such a success.

To every volunteer, every person who donated equipment, helped with planning, or provided food and water, Thank You! Your generosity, dedication, and willingness to serve did not go unnoticed.

I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to the City of Knox Police Department and city employees, our fire departments, EMS, Highway Department, Sheriff’s Department, Dispatch, Indiana State Police, our IDHS EMA Liaison, and every agency and individual who worked together throughout the day. It was truly inspiring to witness so many people united with a shared purpose, supporting one another and ensuring the safety and success of this event.

From what I was told, there were approximately 51 EMS-related calls in roughly 48 minutes. Those incidents were handled through the incredible teamwork of EMS, law enforcement, and fire personnel. Thank you for your quick response, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to caring for those who needed assistance. Your ability to work together under pressure is something our community can be incredibly proud of.

A very special thank you goes to my fellow Emergency Management partners from Fulton County, Pulaski County, and Miami County. Your assistance, expertise, and willingness to lend a hand made a tremendous difference. Your support was invaluable, and I am incredibly grateful for the partnership and teamwork you demonstrated today.

Days like today are a reminder that when we work together, there is very little we cannot accomplish. Thank you all for your professionalism, commitment, and unwavering dedication to serving our communities. It was an honor to stand alongside each of you today.

07/01/2026

07/01/2026

🌡️ Indiana will experience dangerous heat over the next several days. Do you know the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke?

As temperatures and humidity climb, heat-related illnesses can happen quickly, especially if you're spending time outdoors. Knowing the warning signs could help save a life.

🟡 Heat exhaustion is serious and should be treated immediately by moving to a cool place, hydrating and resting.

🔴 Heat stroke is a medical emergency. If someone has a high body temperature, becomes confused, loses consciousness or stops sweating, call 911 immediately.

Take frequent breaks, drink plenty of water, wear lightweight clothing and check on children, older adults, neighbors and anyone working outdoors.

Need a place to cool off? Find a cooling center near you at on.in.gov/coolingcenters.