Statewide cases top 100

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) today reported 47 new positive cases of COVID-19, bringing to 126 the number of Hoosiers diagnosed through ISDH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and private laboratories. Three Hoosiers have died.

In total, 833 Hoosiers have been tested, including 279 who were tested in the last 24 hours.

The new cases involve residents of Allen (3), Clark (3), Delaware (1), Elkhart (1), Greene (1), Hamilton (5), Hancock (1), Harrison (1), Hendricks (2), Howard (1), Johnson (2), Lake (1), LaPorte (1), Marion (22), Scott (1) and Vigo (1) counties.

In our area, Bartholomew, Jennings and Shelby counties all have 1 case. With last night’s additions, Johnson County now has 7.

The list of counties with cases is included in the ISDH COVID-19 dashboard at https://www.in.gov/coronavirus/, which will be updated daily at 10 a.m.

Cases are listed by county of residence.

FRHC schools extends eLearning days

From: Shawn Price, Flat Rock-Hawcreek Schools superintendent

Following yesterday’s announcement from Governor Holcomb, Flat Rock-Hawcreek Schools will remain closed through May 1, 2020. We will continue our plan to deliver iPads to students on Monday March 23^rd and Tuesday the 24^th , as well as host remote meal sites each week. Students will receive instruction from home through our e-learning platform starting on Wednesday March 25^th.

Meals

Attached you will find an informational flyer regarding the remote meal sites. Next week each of these sites will operate Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11am-12:30pm. Each week thereafter, locations will be open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the same times. Meals are packaged grab-and-go style, parents are encouraged to stay in your cars and staff members will hand your items to you. Menus can be found on our food service website, but please note that these are subject to change without notice due to changes in availability.

iPad Delivery

The entire school campus is currently closed. Students/Parents are not permitted on site to pick up their iPads. Students in grades 5-12 should already have iPads with them. If you are a student in grades 5-12 and your iPad is here at school, please call the appropriate office below to make arrangements to have your iPad delivered to you.

Students in grades K-4 that ride the bus will have iPads/e-Learning materials delivered via bus route Monday, March 23^rd. Buses will run their normal routes starting at 9:00am that morning. It is hard to predict the exact timing of these drop offs, so we are asking parents to be watching for your bus anytime from 9am-11am. If your child has a bus stop that includes multiple students, we ask that you stay in your car when possible until the bus stops.

In District Car Riders will have their iPads delivered to their primary residence on Monday, March 23^rd, between the hours of 1pm – 4pm. If you are unavailable during those times, please call our Central Office at 812-546-4922 to make arrangements for delivery. Please leave a detailed message including your name, student’s name, and return phone number.

Out of District Students delivery will happen on Tuesday March 24^th. A representative will call to set up a time.

*If you are unable to meet your bus or have your iPad delivered, please be patient, we will do our best to get your device to you as soon as possible. Please direct all questions or concerns to the building offices.

Hauser 812-546-4421 Hope 812-546-5001.

E-Learning

Parents please understand that our previous e-learning days were never designed to be a long-term practice. With that being said, teachers have been asked to modify and/or create lessons that can easily be implemented at home. We understand that you are most focused on keeping your family safe in this uncertain time, so these lessons are designed with flexibility in mind. Another piece that is different from what other districts may be doing is that we are not requiring you to keep a daily e-learning schedule. In other words, we are not designating specific e-learning days. Starting Wednesday March 25^th, elementary teachers will be posting (3) days of e-learning lessons per week for students to complete. The intent is that you can have your student(s) complete these assignments on the days that make the most sense for you and your family. Hauser teachers have been encouraged to post weekly lessons that allow for the work to be completed over that same time period. Of course, specific due dates and details may be included in individual teacher’s instructions and should be followed. Just remember, the pacing and scope of the work will be much different than previous e-learning days.

Those without internet access please call 812-546-4922 and leave a detailed message for assistance.

Other important information

• All State Accountability Testing has been canceled – No Istep, IRead or ILearn
• All athletic practices and competitions are canceled until Monday May 4^th at this time
• No students are allowed on campus unless approved by the building level administration.
• More information will be forthcoming regarding high school credit and graduation

Things to remember

• Student safety is our top priority
• We are all in this together
• If you do not receive your iPad/e-learning materials prior to March 25^th you are not behind; we will get the resources to you as soon as possible.
• This is new territory for all of us and things could still change quickly.

State police warn of virus-related scams

While many things are postponed, delayed, or even canceled during this unprecedented time, one thing is not changing – Scammers are hard at work, trying to take your hard-earned money.

Fortunately, Indiana State Police have not seen an increase locally in scamming attempts; however, here are a few real-life examples that have been identified by federal authorities:

• Telephone fraud – criminals call victims pretending to be a clinic or hospital officials, who claim that a relative of the victim has fallen sick with the virus and request payments for medical treatment.
• Phishing – emails claiming to be from national or global health authorities, in hopes of tricking victims to provide personal credentials or payment details, or to open an attachment containing malware.

Authorities advise if you are looking to buy medical supplies online, or receive emails or links offering medical support, be alert to the signs of a potential scam and protect yourself and your money.

•  Independently verify the company/individual offering the items before making any purchases.
• Be aware of bogus websites – criminals will often use a web address which looks almost identical to the legitimate one, e.g. ‘abc.org’ instead of abc.com’.
• Check online reviews of a company before making a purchase – for example, have there been complaints of other customers not receiving the promised items?
• Be wary if asked to make a payment to a bank account located in a different country than where the company is located.
• If you believe you have been the victim of fraud, alert your bank immediately so the payment can be stopped.
• Do not click on links or open attachments that you were not expecting to receive or come from an unknown sender.
• Be wary of unsolicited emails offering medical equipment or requesting your personal information for medical checks – legitimate health authorities do not usually contact the general public in this  manner.

Primary election date moved to June 2

Governor Eric Holcomb joined Secretary of State Connie Lawson, Republican Party Chair Kyle Hupfer and Democratic Party Chair John Zody today to announce an agreement to move the date of this year’s Indiana primary election from May 5 to June 2.

All dates corresponding with the primary election will be moved by 28 days to reflect the new date of the primary. For example, military and overseas ballots are required to mailed 45 days prior to the primary election, so they’ll move 45 days prior to June 2.

“The right of citizens to elect their leaders in a free and open election is one of the cornerstones of America. In order to balance that right with the safety of county employees, poll workers and voters, delaying Indiana’s primary election is the right move as we continue to do all we can to protect Hoosiers’ health,” said Gov. Holcomb.

Gov. Holcomb signed an executive order to suspend Indiana’s election statute and move the dates. The executive order is posted here: https://www.in.gov/gov/2384.htm

In addition, Governor Holcomb, Secretary Lawson, Chairman Hupfer and Chairman Zody made the following recommendations to the Indiana Election Commission.

• Suspend absentee by-mail rules to allow all Hoosiers the option to vote by mail in the upcoming primary election.
• Allow county clerks to continually mail ballots from now through 12 days out from the new primary election date.
• Confirm ballots with a May 5, 2020 date will be valid.
• Enable medical professionals to be eligible members of traveling boards to vote nursing home and hospital patients.
• Give family members the ability to deliver absentee ballots. Currently only a member of a voter’s household may take possession of their ballot.

“As Indiana’s Chief Election Officer, it is my top priority to protect our elections, but, above all else, it is my duty to protect the health and safety of Hoosiers,” said Secretary Lawson. “I believe the bi-partisan recommendations we have asked the Indiana Election Commission to take will allow us to provide all Hoosiers the opportunity to vote.

Indiana Election Commission Chairman Paul Okeson has called a meeting of the Indiana Election Commission on Wednesday, March 25 at 10 a.m. to discuss the recommendations. The meeting will be held in the south atrium of the Indiana Statehouse.

Columbus extends closings of park facilities

The City of Columbus, following guidance from the Indiana Governor’s office and the Indiana Department of Health, and in support of the community strategy to mitigate and slow the spread of the virus, will close the following facilities to the public:

• The Commons
• Donner Center
• Hamilton Community Center and Ice Arena
• Columbus Gymnastics Center
• Park Operations Service Center
• Lincoln Park – Softball Diamonds
• Clifty Park – Softball and Baseball Diamonds
• Blackwell Park – Soccer Fields
• Rocky Ford Par 3 Golf Course
• Donner Park Tennis Courts
• Donner Park Pickleball Courts
• Harrison Ridge Tennis
• Lincoln Tennis
• Richards Pickleball Courts

These facilities will reopen Friday, May 1. All other Parks and Recreation services and offices will remain open to the public and continue to serve the community.

If you or your child is signed up for a Parks and Recreation program that occurs during this time period, you will receive a separate communication from a Parks staff member.

We encourage the public to call or email Park staff to conduct business.

For more information or to register for future activities, visit columbusparksandrecreation.com.

Our Hospice updates protection measures

Our Hospice of South Central Indiana wants to keep our community, patients, families and staff safe and healthy during the current pandemic.

Our staff has received updated training and we are closely following the professional health care recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Center for the Advancement of Palliative Care (CAPC).

Screening at the Hospice Center

The Hospice Center has initiated screening for anyone entering the center, including staff, guests and visitors. Everyone should enter the center through the main entrance, including anyone visiting the CRH Sleep Diagnostic Center or the Outpatient Palliative Care clinic. Screening is recommended for the health and safety of our staff and patients. Additional cleaning of public spaces has been initiated and the gift shop and salad bar at the Inpatient Center are closed until further notice.

Postponing the April 26 Broadway Memories Event

Our Hospice staff and board want to ensure you that the well-being of the Broadway Memories performers, patrons, staff and volunteers is of the highest priority. With current restrictions and the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, the city of Columbus and the state of Indiana about limiting the number of people in a gathering for the next eight weeks, we have decided to postpone the Broadway Memories event that was originally scheduled for April 26. Ticket refunds are currently underway. We are in the process of identifying a new date in 2020 for this amazing event and will make sure that you are among the first to know of the new schedule. Questions can be directed to Brigitte Halvorsen at 812-314-8004 or emailed to ourhospice@crh.org

Suspending Bereavement Groups

Our Tuesday Bereavement Groups, Beginning Again, which usually takes place at 2:00 PM and 5:30 PM at the Hospice Center, have been temporarily suspended. If you need grief support, we encourage you to contact our bereavement team at 812-314-8044 or email Cathy at ccampbell@crh.org.

Our monthly Wings for the Journey support group for parents who have experienced the death of a child has also been suspended. This group normally meets the third Thursday of each month at the Hospice Center. Please reach out to our bereavement team at 812-314-8044 or email Cathy at ccampbell@crh.org if you need support.

We will continue to update you as appropriate during this time of rapid change.

BCSC restricts access to buildings

From: Dr. Jim Roberts, BCSC Superintendent

As we prepare to provide limited access to our buildings with the start of eLearning AND welcome back our Spring Break travelers, we want to ensure the safety of our school staff and community.

As indicated prior to Spring Break and with the continued concern with COVID-19, individuals traveling on a cruise to any location and/or to countries deemed high risk by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) must self-quarantine for 14 days. These countries currently include:

Level 3 Countries by CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/…/travele…/after-travel-precautions.html

China, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City, Iran, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Malaysia, South Korea, England, Scotland, Wales

For those who traveled domestically over Spring Break, we ask that you consider the area (number of cases), method of travel (plane, train, bus), and setting (crowded, closed-in) to determine if a self-quarantine might be necessary.

Travel in the US – CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/…/2019-…/travelers/travel-in-the-us.html

For anyone needing to visit one of our buildings, whether having traveled or not, please consider the risk of getting and/or spreading COVID-19 to others AND wait to visit if experiencing a fever over 100.4, cough, or trouble breathing.

We greatly appreciate everyone’s efforts to take care of each other.

State offers guidance for pet owners

From: Bret D. Marsh, DVM, Indiana State Veterinarian, Indiana State Board of Animal Health

In the midst of all the life disruptions generated by COVID-19, I want to offer some guidance to pet owners who have/may have been exposed to the coronavirus. While much is still unknown about this virus, no evidence indicates that companion animals, including
pets, can get sick from or spread COVID-19. However, because we are still learning about this virus, we recommend that pets that have been in contact with COVID-19 patients should also remain in the home during the isolation period.

I hope these guidelines will help you understand how to care for your pet if you and/or your family are faced with quarantine:

• Restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would around other people.
• Designate someone in the household who is not ill to feed, water and care for pets, if possible. If not, wash your hands thoroughly before and after feeding and handling pets.
• People who are sick with COVID-19 should avoid direct contact with pets including petting, snuggling, kissing, being licked, and sharing food.
• Pets should remain in the home and cared for at home as much as possible.
• Prevent interaction with other animals and people outside the home (such as walking the dog). Do not take pets to the dog park, pet supply stores or boarding kennels.
• If your pet requires veterinary care, contact your veterinarian ahead of time for guidance. Follow your veterinarian’s guidance before taking your pet to the clinic.
• Service animals should remain with their handlers throughout the isolation period.

One more word of guidance: If you are unable to continue to care for your pet while ill, seek help from family, friends or neighbors. To be clear: No evidence suggests that companion animals will spread the disease. We recommend pets be thoroughly bathed when transferring to another caretaker. This step should remove any virus particles that are present on the coat.

We are hopeful that following these and other recommended public health measures will keep everyone healthy during this pandemic.

Updated: 11:25 a.m.

As of this morning, the Bartholomew County is announcing the following roads are closed, or have high water.

Roads Closed

• E 550 N – Between US31 and N 50 W
• Gladstone Ave.-City limits to 300S
• E 500 S/S 300 E
• 550N -US 31 to Owens Bend by River Rd.
• Enon Rd.
• Sunland Rd
• 225N-SR9 to Newburn Rd
• 425 North (900 E – 800 E)
• 930 South (400 W – 300 W)
• 850 South (400 W – Spray Rd)
• 900 North (425E – 350E)
• City Street en-route to possibly close the 400 N gates.

Roads with High Water

• E 800 N/N 425 E- ON 800 JUST EAST OF 425
• E 800 N/N 100 W
• N 425 E- NORTH OF E 800 N
• 50 W Just north of 700 N
• E 800 N/ BASE RD
• E 1000 N/N SR9- JUST SOUTH OF COUNTY LINE/li>

BCSC updates plans after governor’s speech

From BCSC Superintendent Dr. Jim Roberts.

The unprecedented nature of the coronavirus pandemic leads us to constantly evaluate our decisions and make adjustments. With this in mind, the following represents our most current updated information:

• Governor Holcomb today announced that ALL school corporations in Indiana would be closed through at least May 1, 2020. Therefore, BCSC is closed and all school-related activities canceled until Monday, May 4, 2020.
• With the extended school closure, waiver days will now be utilized and the schedule for eLearning days modified. Beginning next week and throughout the closure, waiver days will occur on Mondays and Fridays and eLearning days implemented on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Such an arrangement allows us to get through the end of the school year, if necessary, without having any make-up days and provides our teachers with additional time to prepare and assess as they deliver quality instruction to our students.
• Although there is a change in the eLearning days, meals for students WILL continue to be offered Monday through Friday
  • Meals will be available to students each day between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at Clifty Creek Elementary School, Schmitt Elementary School, Smith Elementary School, and Taylorsville Elementary School in a grab and go format to minimize person to person interaction.
  • Meals will include both lunch and breakfast items and are free to children under the age of 18. Adults may purchase lunches at these sites for $3.50. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
  • Meals will also be available, via BCSC school buses, at the following locations from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. within the county:
    • Administration Building = Corner of 12th St. & Cottage Ave.
    • Central Middle School Parking Lot
    • Southside Elementary School Parking Lot
    • Columbus East High School Parking Lot
    • Elizabethtown Library Parking Lot
    • Pence Apartments
    • Heritage Heights Addition (near main office)
    • Candlelight Village
    • Driftside Park
    • Cambridge Square Apartments
    • Mt. Healthy Elementary School Parking Lot
    • 9th Street Park
  • Anyone with questions regarding our distribution of meals can contact our Food Service Department at 812-376-4462.

For additional information:

School specific questions can be best addressed by contacting the building directly or messaging the classroom teacher.

Anyone (students, parents, staff members) with additional questions regarding eLearning should call our hotline at 812-418-0252 or email elearning@bcsc.k12.in.us.

Anyone with questions regarding our distribution of meals can contact our Food Service Department at 812-376-4462.

Parents

We recognize the challenges this extended school closure creates and hope that you know we are here to support you. Our students, YOUR children, are the most important assets in this community and together we will take care of them. TOGETHER…WE will continually check in and ask YOU to let us know when additional support is needed.

Bartholomew County courts announce changes

In response to concerns about COVID-19, the Bartholomew Circuit and Superior Courts have declared an emergency and enacted a continuity of operations plan which will change the way in which we operate.

The Bartholomew Courts have worked with the Health Department, the Sheriff’s Department, and County Commissioners to ensure we are taking the necessary steps in response to the virus. Maintaining required court operations is important. The health and safety of our employees and community are equally important. Therefore, Bartholomew Circuit and Superior Courts are adjusting the way we operate and changing procedures in the following ways:

Only essential and emergency hearings will be held in person (or by video or conference call at the discretion of the Court) during this time. This includes the following hearing types:

• Initial hearings for in-custody defendants
• Bond reviews
• Initial hearings for CHINS and continued initials
• Fact findings for CHINS that are time sensitive
• Juvenile Delinquency initial hearings
• Juvenile Delinquency in-custody trials
• Civil commitments
• Probate Mental health hearings
• Limited Guardianships
•  Detention hearings for CHINS and Juvenile Delinquencies
• Protective Orders
• Any other emergency hearing at discretion of the Judge

The Courts will hold certain non-emergency hearings by conference call with the parties and attorneys. Parties should contact their attorney to determine if their hearing will take place by conference call.

Attorneys/Litigants/Parties to a Case/Subpoenaed Witnesses

Individuals who are scheduled to come to court for a hearing in a criminal matter from March 18, 2020 through April 17, 2020 should consult mycase.in.gov or contact your attorney to receive advice of counsel to verify your court date. No person will be allowed into the Courthouse to go to one of the Courts, unless they have a pending case with a scheduled hearing and are an attorney, party/litigant or subpoenaed witness to that case.

Ordinance Violation and Proceeding Supplemental Cases

All ordinance violations and proceeding supplemental cases have been postponed for at least 30 days. Parties should check mycase.in.gov for more information on when their case is rescheduled.

The Courts have thousands of cases. Please be patient as we work to reschedule cases.

E-filing and Odyssey

Indiana’s e-filing system is working. Cases and documents can continue to be filed through the statewide system. The statewide case management system (Odyssey) is working. Litigants, attorneys, press, and public can continue to view case information on mycase.in.gov.

Jail

The Bartholomew Courts are working with the Bartholomew County Sheriff to ensure public safety. The Courts will continue to review bonds; however, most other hearings and trials will be rescheduled during this time. Any questions should be directed to your attorney.

All questions regarding jail operations and visitation should be directed to the Sheriff’s
Office.

Court Services Center, Community Corrections Center and Youth Services Center

At this time, we are limiting unnecessary and non-essential public traffic into the Community Corrections Center, Court Services Center and Youth Services Center. As of Wednesday, March 18, 2020, the following will be in place through April 17, 2020:

• Volunteers and the programs they present/facilitate will be suspended
• Visitation of approved family members will be suspended, including off-ground passes.
• Parents of juveniles will be contacted by YSC staff to explain why this is occurring and the youth will receive extra phone time.
• Additionally, we are working with medical staff to evaluate persons who are ordered detained before bringing them into the Community Corrections or the Youth Services Center, screening for and conducting visual assessment for any visible signs of illness and a temperature reading.

Probation, Pretrial Operations and Court Ordered Services

In-person client reporting requirements for March 18, 2020 through April 17, 2020 are suspended unless the client is informed otherwise by their probation officer. These activities will be done via phone/computer.

Ivy Tech Community College closing all buildings Friday

Ivy Tech Community College announced that effective 5 p.m. on Friday, March 20 all of its buildings will be closed until further notice.

The College will continue to operate and deliver instruction wherever possible virtually as previously announced. With the closure of its buildings additional services to students will now also be provided virtually including advising, testing, financial aid and business office operations.

The College will be providing various ways for students to stay connected to the College while it operates virtually and has shared the following list of ways in a message to all of its students.

• Check www.ivytech.edu/covid-19 to find answers to frequently asked questions about the ongoing response to COVID-19 and for campus specific e-mail addresses you can use to get assistance
• Stay connected on IvyLearn
• Check MyIvy
• Contact your instructor
• Contact your advisor
• Call 1-888-IVY-LINE
• Visit www.ivytech.edu/chat

All visitation ending at Schneck Medical Center

Effective Friday, March 209, Schneck Medical Center will no longer allow visitors due to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 outbreak.

The only exceptions include:

• Mothers in labor permitted one labor partner
• Pediatric patients permitted one caregiver
• Surgery patients with sedation permitted one transportation escort
• Emergency department patients permitted one companion
• End-of-life patients may have limited visitors, as determined by the nursing supervisor

These permitted visitors will be required to undergo health screenings and no one under 18 will be allowed.

In addition, Schneck outpatient departments, physician practices and Schneck Urgent Care will only allow one companion.

Schneck is also closing its cafeteria for dine-in patrons, though food and beverages will still be available for purchase on a take-out basis.

Schneck is creating a labor pool to assist those who have been displaced due to the coronavirus situation. While these are not current open positions, candidates in the labor pool will be called upon if staff resources become limited or additional staffing needs are identified.

Responsibilities may include supporting environmental services and staffing visitor and patient screening stations. Interested candidates may apply on the Careers page on SchneckMed.org.

As of midnight today, the Bartholomew County Health Officer shut down the county’s movie theaters, gyms and fitness centers and other indoor recreation facilities.

Dr. Brian Niedbalski, the county health officer, explains:

Niedbalski said the order is meant to limit the spread of the virus in the community.

The Bartholomew County COVID-19 Task Force released the group’s first video update to the community last night.

In the video, Niedbalski explained that the community still has a shortage of testing supplies for the virus. Health officials expect more tests to be available in the coming weeks and no one  should be surprised that more testing will reveal more people with the disease.

He talked about who will be prioritized for testing once more tests are available.

The video also offers updates from Mayor Jim Lienhoop, County Commissioner President Carl Lienhoop, and Columbus Regional Health CEO Jim Bickel.

Anyone concerned about being exposed to COVID-19 or who are experiencing symptoms are encouraged to call the Columbus Regional Health COVID-19 Triage Resource Call Center at (812) 379-4449. This line is staffed around the clock by trained nursing staff.

The Bartholomew County Clerk’s office is changing the way it handles some paperwork and applications during the COVID-19 outbreak.

County Clerk Jay Phelps announced today that his office will only be accepting marriage license applications by appointment and during limited times. You can start your application online at the county website at bartholomew.in.gov/clerk.html#marriage-license.

Those making child support payments should use the drop box inside the courthouse doors on Third Street. Child support payments are cash only. You can also use the drop box to make criminal restitution and judgment payments. Those can be cash or money order and you must include your cause number.

Criminal Payments Online: Payments for fines and fees can be made online at mycase.in.gov by searching with your cause number or with your first & last name only in Bartholomew County. There will be a convenience fee when paying online. Criminal cases paying restitution will not be able to make online payments.

Traffic Ticket Payments: Payments can be made at public.courts.in.gov Search with your ticket UTT number or by your name. There will be a convenience fee when paying online.