Changes coming to Vermillion County's tornado sirens

Thanks to the efforts of Vermillion County Emergency Management Director Jimmy Miller, along with the county commissioners and county council, citizens across Vermillion County will soon notice a difference in the emergency warning system and tornado sirens, especially in the northern part of Vermillion County. 

"Over the course of 20 years, sirens have failed and needed repairs. It was imperative for us to act and approve the cost for repairs and the three new sirens for the northern part of the county. Safety is a top priority for myself and the board of commissioners," Vermillion County Commissioner RJ Dunavan told The Parke County Post. 

Miller echoed those sentiments, calling the upgrades "long overdue."

"This is a project that I started with EMA back in November of 2025. This upgrade will not only implement new up-to-date software but also add three more sirens to the north end of Vermillion County, where there has been no siren coverage since their installation. This will provide the citizens and visitors of Vermillion County with a very up to date and more well-rounded system," Miller said. 

The Vermillion County Council gave final approval for an additional appropriation request of $284,670 for the repairs and the installation of the three new sirens. Initially, a quote exceeding $440 thousand was presented, however, the Commissioners were able to reduce that amount to what was approved. 

In his presentation to the county council, Miller said the sirens would still work even if phones and cell towers are down across the county.