Unpacking the Reasons Behind Dearborn County’s Travel Status: Why It’s Not in the ‘Red’ Zone

Commissioner explains how the choice was reached

(LAWRENCEBURG, Ind.) – A number of nearby counties continue to be under a ‘Red Warning Level’ regarding travel as of Monday afternoon.

The red designation is the top level of advisory indicating that travel might be limited to emergency personnel solely.

Dearborn County remains under the second-highest advisory level, known as the ‘Orange Watch Level.’

The orange level strongly recommends only necessary travel, and once enacted, educational institutions and businesses are urged to activate emergency action plans.

Some residents have expressed apprehension regarding Dearborn County’s travel advisory.

Travel advisories at the local level are determined by county commissioners, and we engaged with a Dearborn County Commissioner who elaborated on the decision.

Commissioner Jim Thatcher mentioned he has maintained ongoing communication with the Dearborn County Highway Department, Sheriff Shane McHenry, and the Dearborn County Communications Center.

Following consultations with those agencies, Thatcher and the commissioners concluded that the orange status is the fitting advisory to be issued.

“We assess accident frequencies and the seriousness of collisions. I remain in constant contact with the 9-1-1 dispatchers, almost receiving real-time updates, and we have encountered only minor slide offs thus far, with no serious incidents, but we are continuously monitoring,” Thatcher informed The 812.

A significant aspect that distinguishes Dearborn County from adjacent counties is the availability of resources and personnel.

For instance, snow plows in Dearborn County underwent a 12-hour shift on Sunday and are continuing with another 12-hour shift on Monday.

Thatcher is advising residents of Dearborn County to adhere to the Orange status and stay off the streets whenever possible.