Paris PD to open warming center as winter storm looms

PARIS—The Paris Police Department announced Thursday, Jan. 2, that an emergency warming center will be open to the public beginning Sunday, Jan. 5. Housed in what was once the Paris High School Agriculture Building at the corner of Central and Crawford Streets, the shelter will remain open “according to the weather.”

The announcement comes after Edgar County, along with a large swathe of the Midwest, was placed under a Winter Storm Watch. Heavy snowfall is anticipated to begin Saturday evening and run through Monday morning. According to the National Weather Service, three to seven inches of snowfall is possible.

The Paris Police Department also released additional information regarding the warming centers:

• Cots, blankets and water will be supplied.  
• No restrooms will be available. 
• The warming center is considered government property. Alcohol, tobacco, drugs and/or smoking/vaping will be prohibited on the premises.  
• Paris police officers will be conducting routine checks of the building.