Updates: Syracuse Town Offices Close, Whitley County Offices Stay Open
Whitley County Government
Whitley County offices will remain open for the time being, according to a news release issued late Tuesday, March 24.
After reviewing Gov. Eric Holcomb’s Executive Order 02-08, the Whitley County Commissioners have determined all county departments are considered essential government functions and will remain operational as of this time, the county said in a statement.
The county said actions initiated last week to prevent public face-to-face interaction have been successful in limiting possible exposure of coronavirus.
The statement added, “We value the dedication and effort from all the employees to maintain public services in their departments. As we all know this is an evolving situation and like many others we are trying to do our due diligence of both protecting our employees as well as serving the public. We will continue to monitor the situation and explore options should the circumstances change which extend or restrict operations further in the future.”
Anyone with questions should contact the commissioners office at (260) 248-3130 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Mentone Alumni
The Mentone High School Alumni Association Board has cancelled the annual banquet scheduled for May 17. The decision was made recently to ensure the health and welfare of the school’s alumni during the coronavirus crisis.
Alumni may stay connected using the Association’s Facebook page: Mentone Indiana High School Alumni Association or by contacting board members at [email protected].
Fulton County Recycling
Fulton County Solid Waste District will be closing at 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, and tentatively plan to re-open on April 6.
The agency will not have drop-off trailers available during this time, so please hold on to recyclables until re-open.
Syracuse town offices
Syracuse town buildings are closed to the public until further notice. The clerk’s office said, “Please call and leave a message at (574) 457-3216 or send an e-mail [email protected] and someone will get back with you as soon as they are available.”
The clerk’s office will be processing payments via mail, at a dropbox on the west side of the building, and online. The clerk’s office will also be suspending penalties and disconnects until April 15.
Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber
The Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber announced all functions of the chamber will be cancelled. The chamber office will close and the chamber team will work from home and are available by phone at (574) 457-5637 and by email [email protected]
Renea Sayler, executive director of the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce, is asking for suggestions on how the chamber can support members now and when the virus threat is passed.
Syracuse-Wawasee Trails
Syracuse-Wawasee Trails Committee Executive Director Erlene Yentes said the existing 11 miles of trails remain open to the public while maintaining social distancing.
“We know that everyone is experiencing a situation in our world we have never seen before so let’s put a positive spin on things during the mandatory two-week stay at home order issued by our governor.”
“To me, fresh air brings calmness and clarity. Yes, being outside is okay and even encouraged. I am challenging the citizens of Syracuse, Indiana, to Chalk the Trails. When you are outside using the trails, write an inspirational message, phase or artwork.”
Yentes encouraged people to post pictures of you and your family on the trails over the next two weeks and send them to [email protected]. They will be posted on the group’s Facebook page.
Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum
Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum, which is part of the Syracuse Community Center, is closed. When the center reopens, so will the museum. Anyone with questions can email Director Jamie Clemons at [email protected].
Spring Soccer In Syracuse
Lakeland Youth Center has tentatively delayed the start of the Spring Soccer Season due to the current federal and state recommendations. Registration deadline has been extended until April 21. Tentatively practices start the week of May 4, the first game will be May 9 and the tournament June 13. Registration will be done online as usual, www.lakelandyouthin.myrec.com/
Milford Kiwanis
Milford Kiwanis Club has cancelled the April 11 Easter Egg Hunt.