In national news...

Georgia Governor Nathan Deal has declared a state of emergency as several states in the central U.S. and South suffered damage left by fierce storms and reported tornadoes. Deal says eight people were injured in Gordon County and two of the injured were in critical condition yesterday afternoon.

The Senate is set to permit the government to borrow hundreds of billions of dollars more to meet its obligations. The measure would suspend the $16.4 trillion limit on federal borrowing through May 18, allowing about $450 billion in new debt to be added to the federal ledger.

In local news...

One Wabash Valley community wants to change the school calender. A balanced school calendar offers a shorter summer break with longer breaks throughout the year. According to surveys, seventy-one percent were in favor of it. However, some parents disagree. They argue the new calendar would make it harder to provide child care over breaks. The decision will be made February 14th.

The Vermillion County Sheriff's Department received $2,000 from the Clinton Lions Club to help save lives. The money will go toward their AED program. These are devices that work as defibrillators. They allow first responders to treat emergency patients with heart issues.

The American Lung Association released its nationwide grades and Indiana ranked average or below in every category, receiving two "F's", one "D" and one "C". Lack of funding could be  largely to blame for the poor rankings. The state only spends around 11 percent of what is recommended on tobacco control programs.

Yesterday was the last day of business for Miller Floral Company.  The family-run business first opened back in 1911. Current owner Dale Miller says business - and the economy - aren't what they used to be, but he's hopeful to come back to the community. It's already been sold to an undisclosed buyer.