Sheriff asking people to stay off roads, county considering state of emergency

Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole is asking motorists to again only travel in case of an emergency. The Mason County Road Commission has pulled trucks off of all secondary roads so its drivers can focus on  plowing state highways and primary roads.

M-116 near the lakeshore is drifted to one lane in most locations. Jim Gallie, manager of Ludington State Park is asking people to avoid visiting the park today.  

Sheriff Cole said he has been in contact with Michigan State Police, Mason County Road Commission and Chuck Lange, chairman of the county board of commissioners, all of whom are continuing to monitor the weather and road conditions.

The chairman of the board has the authority to declare a local state of emergency, which Cole said remains an option.