Columbus police say that three juveniles are in custody, accused of spray painting vehicles, buildings and monuments around the city, as well as stealing from vehicles.

The incidents happened over Friday night and Saturday morning, according to Columbus police. More than 50 incidents of vandalism and theft were reported to officers. Those including defacing the Large Arch sculpture on the Bartholomew County Public Library plaza, funeral homes, schools and churches along with homes, fences, vehicles and sidewalks.

Some of the graffiti used racial and sexual slurs and drawings of genitalia.

The damage was primarily in the downtown area and on the northwest side of the city.

The public provided tips that identified the juveniles and two 16-year-olds were arrested Saturday afternoon. The third teen was arrested Sunday. They were taken to the Bartholomew County Youth Services Center.

State figures top 1,500 cases of COVID-19

As of 10 a.m., Sunday, the Indiana State Department of Health is reporting 1,514 positive COVID-19 test results this morning and 32 deaths from the disease across the state. So far there have been 9,830 tests completed for the disease by the health department.

Bartholomew County has 10 reported cases.

Decatur County has 40 confirmed cases. 13 cases are reported in Jennings County, 12 in Shelby County, 7 in Jackson County and 3 in Brown County. Johnson County has 71 confirmed cases.

Marion County leads the state with 676 confirmed cases.

Nationwide, there are more than 103,000 cases of COVID-19.

Health Department: Decatur County seeing highest per capita

The Decatur County Department of Health noted on Saturday, that Decatur County has the highest per capita of confirmed cases in the state of Indiana. As of Sunday’s 10 a.m. totals from the state, Decatur County had 40 confirmed cases.

The county had its first death from COVID-19 on Friday.

“This simply means Decatur County has more cases than some of the larger cities based on cases per population. Decatur County residents have requested to know where the places of exposure are. Unfortunately, this information would not be relevant within a few hours of reporting. It is important that people assume that EVERYWHERE is a place of potential exposure and follow the Stay at Home order.”

The Indiana State Department of Health is reporting 1,232 positive COVID-19 test results this morning and 31 deaths from the disease across the state. So far there have been 8,407 tests completed for the disease by the health department.

Bartholomew County has seven reported cases.

Decatur County has 30 confirmed cases. Ten cases are reported in Jennings County and Shelby County, seven in Jackson County and two in Brown County. Johnson County has 52 confirmed cases.

Marion County leads the state with 584 confirmed cases.

Nationwide, there are more than 102,000 cases of COVID-19.

Statewide cases closes in on 1,000

The Indiana State Department of Health is reporting 981 positive COVID-19 test results this morning and 24 deaths from the disease across the state. So far there have been 6,936 tests completed for the disease by the health department.

Bartholomew County has six reported cases. The county health department reports 350 total tests done here, with 113 negative results and 225 pending.

Decatur County has 26 confirmed cases. Five are reported in Jennings County, six in Shelby County, four in Jackson County and two in Brown County. Johnson County has 42 confirmed cases.

Marion County leads the state with 484 confirmed cases.

State offers guidelines for home care of COVID-19

The Indiana State Department of Health is offering home care instructions for those with COVID-19. Home Care Instructions for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The following instructions are for people who have or are being evaluated for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and their families and caregivers. If you have or are being evaluated for COVID-19, you should follow the prevention steps below until a healthcare provider, the Indiana State Department of Health, or your local health department determines that you can return to your normal activities.

If you are not sure if you have COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider, in consultation with the health department, will determine whether you meet criteria for COVID-19 testing and will determine the most appropriate care plan for you.

INFORMATION FOR COVID-19 PATIENTS WHO ARE NOT HOSPITALIZED

1. Stay home except to get medical care. Do not go to work, school, or public areas, and do not use public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.

2. Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home. As much as possible, stay in a specific room away from other people in your home. If possible, use a separate bathroom. If you must be in the same room as other people, wear a facemask to prevent spreading germs to others. Although there have not been reports of pets becoming sick with COVID-19, you should also avoid contact with animals or pets while you are sick.

3. Call ahead before visiting your doctor and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19 so they can prepare for your visit and take steps to keep other people from being exposed or infected.

4. Wear a facemask. You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) or pets and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then people who live with you should not stay in the same room with you, or they should wear a facemask if they enter your room.

5. Cover coughs and sneezes. To prevent spreading germs to others, when coughing or sneezing cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve. Throw used tissues in a lined trash can, and immediately wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. You should use soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.

6. Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available and if hands are not visibly dirty. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

7. Avoid sharing household items. Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, bedding, or other items with other people or pets in your home. These items should be washed thoroughly after use with soap and warm water.

8. Monitor your symptoms. If illness gets worse (e.g., trouble breathing, pain in chest), get medical care right away. Before you visit a clinic or hospital, call your healthcare provider and tell them that you have, or might have, COVID-19. This will help your provider take steps to keep other people from getting infected. If you have a medical emergency and need to call 911, notify the dispatch personnel that you have, or are being evaluated
for, COVID-19. If possible, put on a facemask before emergency medical services arrive.
These recommendations should be followed until your healthcare provider and/or the health department confirm that you do not have COVID-19 or determine that you are no longer contagious.

Follow home quarantine recommendations until:

• Fever free for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use medicine that reduces fevers).
• Other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved).
• At least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.

For additional information, visit https://www.in.gov/isdh/28470.htm

A Columbus North senior project blood drive will still be going on, despite the closing of its original venue.

The American Red Cross is reporting critical shortages caused by numerous donation events canceled due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

As recently as last week, Savannah Norfrey was looking forward to holding her senior project blood drive, in the face of the coronavirus threat.

She said procedures are in place to protect your safety including screening donors before entering the area, and checking temperatures.

Then the original site announced earlier this week it was closing due to the coronavirus stay-at-home order. But the American Red Cross has announced that Norfrey’s event will now be held at Holiday Inn in Columbus from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

There is also a blood drive from 2 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Church of Latter Day Saints on Goeller Boulevard in Columbus.

There will also be donation opportunities locally at First Christian Church in Columbus 11 to 4 on April 2nd, at Tea Creek Baptist Church in North Vernon from 2 to 7 on April 2nd, and on April 15th and April 22nd at Tipton Lakes Athletic Club from 11 to 4.

Giving blood is considered an essential service under the governor’s stay-at-home order.

You can make an appointment to donate online at red cross blood dot org or by calling 1 800 RED CROSS

The Crothersville High School’s boys basketball coach and athletic director is being accused of child solicitation.

52 year old, Gregory T. Kilgore of Crothersville was arrested this morning on the felony charge, after investigation by the  Jackson County Sheriff’s Department.

Deputies report that the investigation began on March 18th, after a report from the state Department of Child Services of inappropriate messages being sent through social media from a Crothersville High School employee to a 14-year-old female student, according to police reports. Kilgore allegedly sent text messages to the 8th grade girl with sexual messages and including emojis with sexual overtones.

School officials told deputies that they had talked to Kilgore about the issue and he apologized, saying that he knew he was the adult in the exchanges and that sometimes he forgot the girl was a teen.

The school reached out to the state agency and Kilgore has been suspended by the school district.

Kilgore was arrested at a Jennings County address at 11:06 a.m. today. Kilgore was taken to the Jackson County Jail where he is being held until his initial hearing in Jackson Circuit Court.

The investigation is on-going. Detectives ask that if you have any information on the case, to contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department at 812-358-2141

Columbus police have arrested three people in the murder of a man on the east side of Columbus in February.

37-year-old Leonardo Rodriguez Flores was found dead from a gunshot wound to the face in a factory parking lot on South Marr Road.

Officers arrested 35-year-old Abraham Jimenez-Cesareo and 34-year-old Eladia Jacobo-Ortiz, both of Columbus on preliminary charges of Conspiracy to Commit Serious Bodily Injury. They are both being held at the Bartholomew County Jail.

An arrest warrant was also issued for 31-year-old Eliel Avelar of Midlothian, Illinois on a charge of murder. He was arrested at a Chicago hotel by U.S. Marshalls on Tuesday afternoon and is being held in the Cook County, Illinois jail.

A Columbus-based cosmetics company best known for lip gloss, soaps and bath bombs is turning its production over to the creation of a hotly in demand item these days — hand sanitizer.

Dawn Andrews, owner of Garb2Art explains that the the company sales reps working in New York and California first saw the need.

One of the hardest parts has been acquiring the components including alcohol

Andrews said that the Central Avenue plant is now producing up to 15,000 bottles of hand sanitizer a day.

Andrews said she has been hiring local people who have lost their jobs, especially those in the restaurant business, to ramp up the production. She said she normally has four to five employees, including one working from home applying labels.

Columbus Regional Hospital has been preparing for the anticipated surge in patients needing care for COVID-19. Hospital President and CEO Jim Bickel took part in a Community COVID-19 Task Force video Monday afternoon.

He explained that the hospital has repurposed two outpatient physician facilities to handle COVID-19 patients.

They are meant to maximize social distancing and keep possible COVID-19 cases separate from other patients. But before you go to one of the facilities you should call the hospital’s COVID-19 Triage Resource Call Center.

Bickel said the COVID-19 Triage Resource Call Center is the best source of information for those with symptoms or care questions. The center is handling 400 to 500 calls a day and has trained nursing staff on hand to take your calls.

You can call 812-379-4449.

Gov. Eric Holcomb is ordering Hoosiers to “hunker down” and to stay at home.

In a speech today at the statehouse he said everyone should stay at home unless you are on an essential errand, work or business:

“I’ve signed another Executive Order that calls on all Hoosiers to hunker down, stay at home, unless you’re going out on an essential errand, or essential work or essential business,” Holcomb said.

The governor said the next two weeks will be critical if we are going to stop the spread of the coronavirus. The hunker- down order is in effect from March 24 to April 7.

Indiana is the next in line to announce such a ban, with Illinois, Ohio and Kentucky also recently announcing similar bans.

“Other states have recently come out with similar directives,” Holcomb said. “Ohio has stay at home. Kentucky yesterday evening rolled one out. Illinois a few days before them both. We’re all seeing the same trends or waves coming, especially in the dense
areas, but it is spreading to all counties.”

Beginning Tuesday, all state government offices will be closed to in-person public activity until at least April 7. Holcomb ordered an automatic extension of all state-issued licenses and law enforcement will not be issuing citations for expired driver’s licenses or registrations during this emergency.

The governor also urged all restaurants to comply with his order that bans in-person dining. He said that he was directing county health departments and Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission agents to take enforcement actions against bars and restaurants that continue to offer in-person dining including fines and the suspension of liquor licenses.

The governor is also allowing restaurants that sell alcohol to offer carryout beverages.

The governor’s office released a list of Frequently Asked Questions about the orders:

When does the order take effect?
The Stay-At-Home Order takes effect Tuesday, March 24 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

When does the order end?
The order ends on Monday, April 6, at 11:59 p.m. ET, but could be extended if the outbreak warrants it.

Where does the order apply?
The Stay-At-Home Order applies to the entire state of Indiana. Unless you work for an essential business or are doing an essential activity, you must stay home.

Is this mandatory or a recommendation?
This order is mandatory. For the safety of all Hoosiers, people must stay home and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

How will this order be enforced?
Staying home is critical to reducing the spread of COVID-19 in your community. Adhering to the order will save lives, and it is the responsibility of every Hoosier to do their part. However, if the order is not followed, the Indiana State Police will work with local law enforcement to enforce this order. The Indiana State Department of Health and the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission will enforce the restaurant and bar restrictions.

Will the Indiana National Guard enforce this order?
No. The Indiana National Guard is aiding in planning, preparation and logistics with other state agencies. For example, the Indiana National Guard assists in distributing hospital supplies the state receives.

What is an essential business?
Essential businesses and services include but are not limited to grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, police stations, fire stations, hospitals, doctor’s offices, health care facilities, garbage pickup, public transit, and public service hotlines such as SNAP and HIP 2.0.

A list can be found in the Governor’s executive order at in.gov/coronavirus.

What is an essential activity?
Essential activities include but are not limited to activities for health and safety, necessary supplies and services, outdoor activity, certain types of essential work, and to take care of others.
A list can be found in the Governor’s executive order at in.gov/coronavirus.
I work for an essential business. Will I be allowed to travel to and from work?
Law enforcement will not be stopping drivers on their way to and from work, traveling for an essential activity such as going to the grocery store, or just taking a walk.

Will the grocery store/pharmacy be open?
Yes, grocery stores and pharmacies are essential services.

Can I still order take out/delivery from restaurants and bars?
Yes, restaurants and bars can continue to provide takeout and delivery, but should be closed to dine-in patrons.

Can I get my groceries delivered? Can I still get my online orders delivered?
Yes, you can still receive packages, get groceries delivered, and get meals delivered.

How can I get medical care?
If you develop symptoms such as fever, cough and/or difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or have recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19, stay home and call your healthcare provider.

If you suspect you have COVID-19, please call the healthcare provider in advance so that proper precautions can be taken to limit further transmission. Older patients and individuals who have severe underlying medical conditions or are immunocompromised should contact their healthcare provider early, even if their illness is mild.

If you have severe symptoms, such as persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, or bluish lips or face, contact your healthcare provider or emergency room and seek care immediately, but please call in advance if possible. Your doctor will determine if you have signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and whether you should be tested.

Nonessential medical care such as eye exams and teeth-cleaning should be postponed. When possible, health care visits should be done remotely. Contact your health care provider to see what telehealth services they provide.

What is the guidance for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities?
State-operated developmental centers, intermediate care facilities for individuals with developmental disabilities and community integrated living arrangements will continue to provide care. All in-home direct care staff are considered essential staff and should continue to support individuals in the home setting.

If you have specific questions about your support and services, reach out to your provider or individual service coordination agency.

What if I still have to go to work?
You should stay home unless your work is an essential function such as a health care provider, grocery store clerk or first responder. If you have been designated essential by your employer, you should continue to go to work and practice social distancing.
A list of essential businesses can be found in the Governor’s executive order at in.gov/coronavirus.

What if I think my business should be closed, but they’re still asking me to report to work?
Essential businesses will remain open during the stay-at-home order to provide services that are vital to the lives of Hoosiers. If you believe your business is nonessential but still are being asked to show up to work, you may discuss it with your employer.

A certain service is essential for me, but the governor didn’t include it. What do I do?
The stay-at-home order was issued to protect the health, safety and well-being of Hoosiers. Although some businesses such as fitness centers and salons will be closed, essential services will always be available. For a list of essential businesses that will continue to operate during the order, visit in.gov/coronavirus.

Will public transportation, ride-sharing and taxis continue?
Public transportation, ride-sharing and taxis should only be used for essential travel.

Will roads in Indiana be closed?
No, the roads will remain open. You should only travel if it is for your health or essential work.

Can I still take a plane out of Indiana?
Planes and other types of transportation should be used for essential travel.

What if my home is not a safe environment?
If it is not safe for you to remain home, you are able and encouraged to find another safe place to stay during this order. Please reach out so someone can help. You can call the domestic violence hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or your local law enforcement.

What about homeless people who cannot stay at home?
The administration wants to protect the health and safety of all Hoosiers, regardless of where they live. State agencies are partnering with community organizations to ensure the homeless population has safe shelter.

Can I visit friends and family?
For your safety, as well as the safety of all Hoosiers, you should remain at home to help fight the spread of COVID-19. You may visit family members who need medical or other essential assistance, such as ensuring an adequate food supply.

Can I walk my dog or go to the veterinarian?
You are allowed to walk your dog and seek medical care for your pet should they require it. Practice social distancing while out on walks, maintaining at least 6 feet from other neighbors and their pets.

Can I take my kids to the park?
State parks remain open, but welcome centers, inns, and other buildings are closed. Families will be able to go outside and take a walk, run or bike ride, but they should continue to practice social distancing by remaining 6 feet away from other people. Playgrounds are closed because they pose a high risk of increasing spreading the virus.

Can I attend a religious service?
Large gatherings, including church services, will be canceled to slow the spread of COVID-19. Religious leaders are encouraged to continue livestreaming services while practicing social distancing with one another.

Can I leave my home to exercise?
Outdoor exercise such as running or taking a walk is acceptable. However, gyms, fitness centers and associated facilities will be closed to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. While exercising outside, you still should practice social distancing by running or walking at least 6 feet away from other people.

Can I go to the hair salon, spa, nail salon, tattoo parlor or barber shop?
No, these businesses are ordered closed.

Can I leave my home to do laundry?
Yes, Laundromats, dry cleaners and laundry service providers are considered essential businesses.

Can I take my child to daycare?
Yes, daycares are considered an essential business.

Can I pick up meals at my child’s school?
Yes, Schools that provide free food services to students will continue on a pickup and take-home basis.