SIDNEY — The Shelby County Emergency Warming Center, located at the Alpha Community Center, 330 E. Court St., was opened from Wednesday, Jan 4, through Sunday, Jan. 8, because of the bitter cold temperatures.

According to Director Terry Sharp, the center had guests each evening it was opened during the Jan. 4-8. Three people stayed at the center on Jan. 4 and Jan. 5. On Jan. 6, there were six guests at the center.

Four people took advantage of the center’s program on Jan. 7. Three people were guests on Jan. 8.

The center had also been opened in December on Dec. 18-20. During those three days, four people stayed at the center.

The warming center will open anytime weather conditions through March 31, 2017, are predicted to be below 20 degrees by the National Weather Service.

Announcement of the opening of the warming center will be made by noon on days that it will be open by notifying the Shelby County 211 Hotline; Radio Station WMVR; Sidney Daily News; Sidney Police Department; Shelby County Sheriff’s Office; Sidney Fire Department; members of the Shelby County Ministerial Association; and, selected agencies within Shelby County to get the word out.

Announcement of the opening of the Warming Center will also be posted on Sidney First United Methodist Church’s lighted sign at the corner of North Street and Miami Avenue, and on the churches Facebook page and website, www.sidneyfirst.com, according to Sidney First United Methodist Church Pastor David Chivington.

Guests at the Warming Center must agree to follow specific rules. Those rules are available on the website, and will be provided to guests at the time they check in.

Sharp is looking for volunteers to assist with meal preparation and with overnight supervision. For more information, contact Sharp at 937-726-1575 or Sidney First United Methodist Church, 937-492-9136.