Huntington County Health Department logo
MARKLE, Ind. (WANE) – The Huntington County Health Department has cited a hotel in Markle for a possible health hazard after multiple inspections.
Hotel Z is located at 730 W Logan Street, off the Markle exit on I-69.
The health department was notified of possible sanitation violations at the property on June 11. According to the health department, an inspection revealed unsanitary conditions throughout the home.
According to Indiana Statute 16-41-20-1, a dwelling is unfit for human habitation if it is in a state of disrepair, has defective drainage, plumbing, lighting or ventilation, is infected with communicable diseases, or contains insanitary conditions that are likely to cause disease, making it dangerous or injurious to life or health.
The specific violations that rendered Hotel Z uninhabitable included unsanitary conditions found throughout the hotel and grounds, an HVAC system in need of repair, and insects and rodents that could carry disease found throughout the hotel.
The health department ordered the hotel to take corrective measures by 3:00 p.m. on July 12.
These corrective actions include:
Clean and sanitize all areas of the hotel. This includes all guest rooms, common areas, dining areas, and any other areas owned by the hotel. This includes walls, carpets, and windows to the extent that they need to be replaced to eliminate all odors and unsanitary conditions. Have a certified inspection of all hotel-owned HVAC systems. Clean and remove all rodents and insects that may carry disease. Install screens on all windows to prevent insects from entering the hotel. Have a certified professional remove all areas of insects and rodents so that none remain. For bed bug and cockroach extermination, you must provide a receipt for the inspection and treatment.
The health department will conduct a compliance inspection on July 12. If compliance is not met by the inspection date, legal action, including fines, will be taken, the notice stated.
“We are fully aware of the issues at Heritage Suites on Markle, and we are following the proper procedures outlined in state code to address the unsanitary conditions. We have been in contact with the property manager and owner to ensure corrective measures are being taken, and we expect to complete a follow-up inspection in July to ensure compliance. The Huntington County Health Department wants to ensure the health and well-being of our residents, and we will aggressively address issues when complaints arise,” said Dr. Matt Pflieger, Public Health Officer with the Huntington County Health Department.