Governor’s order: Definition of essential services

Excerpt from Indiana Executive Order 20-18 (March 23, 2020)
For the purposes of this Executive Order, the phrase “Essential Businesses and Operations” means Healthcare and Public Health Operations, Human Services Operations, Essential Governmental Functions, and Essential Infrastructure, as well as the following:

CISA List
On March 19, 2020, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (“CISA”), issued a Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19 Response. The definition of Essential Businesses and Operations in this Executive Order includes all of the workers identified in that Memorandum, which may be found or accessed at the following link: https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/CISA-Guidance-on-Essential-Critical-Infrastructure-Workers-1-20-508c.pdf.

Stores That Sell Groceries and Medicine
Grocery stores, pharmacies, certified farmer’s markets, farm and produce stands, supermarkets, convenience stores, and other establishments engaged in the retail sale of groceries, canned food, dry goods, frozen foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, pet supplies, fresh meats, fish, and poultry, prepared food, alcoholic and non­alcoholic beverages, any other household consumer products (such as cleaning and personal care products), and specifically includes their supply chain and administrative support operations. This includes stores that sell groceries, medicine (including medication not requiring a medical prescription), and also that sell other non-grocery products, and products necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences and Essential Businesses and Operations.

Food, Beverage, and Agriculture
Food and beverage manufacturing, production, processing, cultivation, including farming, livestock, fishing, baking, and other production agriculture, including cultivation, marketing, production, and distribution of animals and goods for consumption; and businesses that provide food, shelter, and other necessities of life for animals, including animal shelters, rescues, shelters, kennels, and adoption facilities.

Organizations That Provide Charitable and Social Services
Businesses and religious and secular non-profit organizations, including food banks, when providing food, shelter, and social services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals, individuals who need assistance as a result of this emergency, and people with disabilities.

Religious Entities
Religious facilities, entities and groups, and religious gatherings, provided they adhere to the CDC’s guidance on social gatherings.

Media
Newspapers, television, radio, and other media services.

Gas Stations and Businesses Needed for Transportation
Gas stations and auto supply, auto ­repair, farm equipment, construction equipment, boat repair, and related facilities, and bicycle shops and related facilities.

Financial and Insurance Institutions
Banks, currency exchanges, consumer lenders, including, but not limited to, credit unions, pawnbrokers, consumer installment lenders and sales finance lenders, title companies, appraisers, financial markets, trading and futures exchanges, payday lenders, affiliates of financial institutions, entities that issue bonds, related financial institutions, and institutions selling financial products. Also, insurance companies, underwriters, agents, brokers, and related insurance claims and agency services.

Hardware and Supply Stores
Hardware stores and businesses that sell electrical, plumbing, and heating material.

Critical Trades
Building, construction, and other trades, including, but not limited to, plumbers, electricians, exterminators, operating engineers, cleaning and janitorial staff for commercial and governmental properties, security staff, HVAC, painting, moving and relocation services, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, Essential Activities, and Essential Businesses and Operations.

Mail, Post, Shipping, Logistics, Delivery, and Pick-Up Services
Post offices and other businesses that provide shipping and delivery services, as well as businesses that ship or deliver groceries, food, goods, vehicles, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, or services to end users or through commercial channels.

Educational Institutions
Educational institutions (including public and private pre-K-12 schools, colleges, and universities) for purposes of facilitating distance learning, performing critical research, or performing essential functions, provided that social distancing of six-feet per person is maintained to the greatest extent possible.

This Executive Order is consistent with, and does not amend or supersede, any prior Executive Order regarding the closure of schools.

Laundry Services
Laundromats, dry cleaners, industrial laundry services, as well as laundry service providers.

Restaurants for Consumption Off-Premises
Restaurants, bars, taverns, and other facilities that prepare and serve food, but only for consumption off-premises, through such means as in-house delivery, third-party delivery, drive-through, curbside pick-up, and carryout. The foregoing is addressed in Executive Orders 20-04 and 20-10. The in-person dining prohibition shall be enforced under and pursuant to the process described in Executive Order 20-10.

Schools and other entities that typically provide food services to students or members of the public may continue to do so under this Executive Order on the condition that the food is provided to students or members of the public on a pick-up and takeaway basis only. Schools and other entities that provide food services under this exemption shall not permit the food to be eaten at the site where it is provided, or at any other gathering site due to the virus’s propensity to physically impact surfaces and personal property. This Executive Order is consistent with, and does not amend or supersede, prior Executive Orders regarding the closure of restaurants.

Supplies to Work from Home
Businesses that sell, manufacture, or supply products needed for people to work from home.

Supplies for Essential Businesses and Operations
Businesses that sell, manufacture, and/or supply other Essential Businesses and Operations with the support or materials necessary to operate, including computers, audio and video electronics, household appliances; IT and telecommunication equipment; hardware, paint, flat glass; electrical, plumbing and heating material; sanitary equipment; personal hygiene products; food, food additives, ingredients and components; medical and orthopedic equipment; optics and photography equipment; diagnostics, food and beverages, chemicals, soaps and detergent; and firearm and ammunition suppliers and retailers for purposes of safety and security.

Transportation
Airlines, taxis, transportation network providers (such as Uber and Lyft), vehicle rental services, paratransit, marinas, docks, boat storage, and other private, public, and commercial transportation and logistics providers necessary for the Essential Activities and other purposes expressly authorized in this Executive Order.

Home-Based Care and Services
Home-based care for adults, seniors, children, and/or people with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, substance use disorders, and/or mental illness, including caregivers such as nannies who may travel to the child’s home to provide care, and other in-home services including meal delivery.

Residential Facilities and Shelters
Residential facilities and shelters for adults, seniors, children, pets, and/or people with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, substance use disorders, or mental illness.

Professional Services
Professional services, such as legal services, accounting services, insurance services, and real estate services (including appraisal and title services).

Manufacture, Distribution, and Supply Chain for Critical Products and Industries
Manufacturing companies, distributors, and supply chain companies producing and supplying essential products and services in and for industries, such as healthcare, pharmaceutical, technology, biotechnology, chemicals and sanitization, agriculture, waste pickup and disposal, food and beverage, transportation, energy, steel and steel products, petroleum, fuel, mining, construction, national defense, communications, and products used by other Essential Businesses and Operations.

Critical Labor Union Functions
Labor union essential activities, including the administration of health and welfare funds and personnel checking on the well-being and safety of members providing services in Essential Businesses and Operations, provided that these checks should be done by telephone or remotely where possible.

Hotels and Motels
Hotels and motels, to the extent they are used for lodging and delivery or carryout food services.

Funeral Services
Funeral, mortuary, cremation, burial, cemetery, and related services.

Seymour city offices closed

Due to the recent Executive Order by Indiana Governor Holcomb, ALL City of Seymour offices closed at 11:59 p.m., Monday, March 23. Business may still be conducted by phone. The Stay at Home Executive Order officially begins at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24.

Important Contact Numbers:
Seymour City Hall, 812-522-4020, including Mayor’s Office, Planning and Zoning, Clerk-Treasurer, Sanitation Department, Engineer, Park and Recreation Department. (For deliveries, mail, etc., call for appt.)
Seymour Police Department 812-522-1234 (non-emergency)
Seymour Fire Department 812-522-2598 (non-emergency)
Water Pollution Control 812-522-5351 (sewer information)
Department of Public Works 812-524-1100 (trash, recycle)
Transit 812-522-7433

Seymour Transit
Seymour Transit will reduce to one bus as of Wednesday, March 25, 2020, and operate from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Passengers will ONLY be transported for the following reasons: Medical, work, food. Passengers will be limited to the number of trips, in order to allow all passengers the chance to be transported. All passengers that currently have a monthly pass for March should continue using the March pass until further notice. Transit will advise when passengers need to purchase new passes.

Trash, Recycle, Sewer
Service such as trash and sewer will continue as they have already been established. Call individual office for further instructions.

Indiana BMV offices closed for two weeks

Today Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced that beginning Tuesday, March 24 all state government offices will be closed to in-person public activity until at least April 7, 2020. This closure includes all Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branches.

On March 19, 2020, Governor Holcomb issued Executive Order 20-05 which in part waived Administrative Penalty Fees (late fees). Today, he further ordered an automatic extension of all state-issued licenses and stated he will advise law enforcement to refrain from issuing citations for a driver’s license or registration that expires during this emergency.

Effectively, this extends expiration dates of registrations, driver’s licenses, and identification cards without changing the expiration date printed on documents in an individual’s possession and waives late fees during a future renewal.

Several out-of-branch options are still available and Hoosiers are encouraged to complete transactions using the below services whenever possible. These services include:
• Online transactions through IN.gov/BMV
• Contact Center
• Mail-in renewal

Additional information regarding out-of-branch services and branch closures can be found on the BMV’s COVID-19 Information and Updates webpage.

If you hold a Commercial Driver’s License, there are resources available on the BMV website including information from FMCSA. In addition, CDL holders are encouraged to reach out to the Contact Center with questions. The phone number is 888-692-6841 and the lines are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The BMV website is updated regularly. You can read a full list of transactions available through IN.gov/BMV online services, as well as resources on frequently asked questions and current business operations: https://www.in.gov/bmv/4363.htm

Jennings County declaration issued

Whereas, Jennings County, Indiana along with many other Indiana counties and all 50 states, have experienced confirmed cases of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and;

Whereas, COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that can result in serious illness and death and is easily transmitted from person to person, and;

Whereas, on January 31, 2020 the United States Department of Public Health and Human Services Secretary declared a public emergency for the COVID-19, and;

Whereas, on March 6, 2020 Governor Eric J. Holcomb issued his Declaration of Public Health Emergency for the State of Indiana for COVID-19 as Executive Order 20-02 and further Executive Order 20-04 on March 16, 2020, and;

Whereas, the Board of Commissioners of Jennings County, pursuant to IC 36-8-2-4 and 5, has the authority to regulate conduct that might endanger public health, safety or welfare and to impose restrictions to prevent the transmission of diseases;

Whereas, due to the potential severity of COVID-19 and the need to take urgent action, the following is effective as of March 23, 2020 at 8:00 a.m.

NOW, THEREFORE, The Board of Commissioners of Jennings County, do hereby:

1. Declare that a public health emergency exists in Jennings County due to COVID-19.

2. Order that Jennings County implement some travel restrictions, permitting only essential travel, such as to and from work, travel related to medical care, travel for food, groceries, medication, essential household goods, and hygiene products, and other essential services.

3. For a period of two (2) weeks, only critical essential businesses shall remain open. All
other, non-essential, businesses shall remain closed, including all Jennings County
government offices not specifically listed below as “essential.”

4. Critical essential businesses to remain open, include, but are not limited to:
a. Essential Jennings County government offices, including the following:

i. Jennings County Health Department
ii. Jennings County Sheriff’s Department
iii. Jennings County 911
iv. Jennings County EMS
v. Jennings County EMA
vi. Jennings County Highway Department
vii. Jennings County Courts, including Clerk and Security, allowing only for operations as ordered by the Indiana Supreme Court in its March 19, 2020 Order on Jennings’ County Petitioner for AR 17 Emergency Relief. See Order attached.
viii. All fire departments
ix. Any other office, agency, or business providing relief services and efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

b. Grocery stores;
c. Funeral homes;
d. All health care service providers, including doctor offices, hospitals, pharmacies, and
therapy establishments;
e. Banks, lending institutions and all other related businesses;
f. Gas Stations and auto repair businesses;
g. Convenience stores;
h. “Dollar” stores;
i. Day Care facilities;
j. Restaurants and bars-carry-out, delivery and drive-up only;
k. Utility and Trash Services;
I. Airport;
m. Postal services/Fed Ex and UPS:
n. Veterinarian clinics:
o. Home Improvement/hardware:
p. Hotels/motels:
q. Laundromats:
r. Public and Private transportation,
s. Agricultural operations: pet stores:
t. Legal services:
u. Social Service agencies:
v. Industry either directly or indirectly providing goods or services to combat the
COVID-19 pandemic.

5. There should be no public gatherings of more than ten (10) people and all Jennings County residents are to attempt at all possible times to maintain a social distance of six (6) feet or more from others. The 10-person restriction does not apply to work places so long as the social distancing guidelines are followed and internal safeguards are put into place with regard to cleaning, i.e. disinfecting and sanitizing, and social distancing.

6. This is an ongoing and evolving public health crisis. Refusal to comply may result in
suspension of permits as well as fines by Order of the Jennings County Health Department and the Jennings County Health Officer under IC 16-20-1-19 and IC 16-20-1-21.

7. The Board of Commissioners acknowledge the hardship and sacrifice that is
being imposed on the businesses and citizens of Jennings County by these
closures. These restrictions will be revisited as the COVID-19 circumstances
change, and are subject to revision as deemed appropriate for the health and
well-being of Jennings County citizens.

Bartholomew Consolidated schoolchildren will not be having an elearning day today, on what would have been the first day back from spring break.

Dr. Jim Roberts, BCSC superintendent, explains that the district will be juggling the available eLearning days with 20 days the governor has agreed to waive from the school district calendar.

That will allow the schools to make it through May 4th without having to have makeup days this summer.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays will be eLearning days, Roberts said. Mondays and Fridays will be used from the governor’s waiver.

On eLearning days, the day’s school lesson plan will be available for students by 9 a.m.

Schneck Medical Center in Seymour is reporting a positive test result for COVID-19, however the patient is not a resident of Jackson County.

The hospital made the announcement of the positive result from a patient receiving medical care at the hospital yesterday afternoon. Schneck notified the Indiana State Department of Health and the patient’s home county health department on Saturday.

The patient is currently in isolation at Schneck Medical Center.

Warren Forgey, the hospital president and CEO, said that Schneck is following the appropriate protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Indiana State Department of Health to prevent exposure to other patients and our healthcare staff.

Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the virus or have concern over symptoms can call the Schneck Coronavirus Hotline at 812-524-4266.

Updated: State announces two more deaths.

The Indiana State Department of Health is reporting 201 positive test results in Indiana as of 10 a.m. Sunday morning with five positive results in Bartholomew County and three more deaths in the state.

Bartholomew County health officials say that the additional confirmed cases were outpatients.

“As planned and prepared for, Bartholomew County Health Department and Columbus Regional Health continue following the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Indiana State Department of Health for the care of these confirmed cases, and the protocols for healthcare staff and community contacts as identified,” wrote Dr. Brian Niedbalksi, the Bartholomew County health officer.

Local health official say the best source of information for those with symptoms and care questions in Bartholomew County is the COVID-19 Resource Center at 812-379-4449.

The fourth patient to die from the virus was a Delaware County adult over age 60 who had been hospitalized. The other two deaths were adult residents of Scott and Marion counties. Both were over age 50 and had underlying medical conditions. No additional information about the patients will be released due to privacy laws.

The death was first announced by the Delaware County Health Department.

In our area, there are 12 confirmed cases in Johnson County, 5 in Bartholomew County, and 1 in each of Shelby and Jennings counties.

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a novel, or new, coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing COVID-19 is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.

Cummins is announcing that it is closing the Columbus Mid-Range Engine Plant at 10 p.m. tonight, through at least April 6th.

Company officials say that is because Fiat Chrysler Automotives is stopping production at its plants. CMEP almost exclusively provides engines for the Ram pickup.

Cummins will be paying employees during the shut down due to the unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic.

No other plants are affected at this time.

Gov. Eric Holcomb announced yesterday that he was extending the time students will be out of school until at least May.

In a speech Thursday, the governor said that all public schools will remain closed until at least May 1st.

But he also held out the possibility that school could be canceled for the rest of the school year.

He said that that any time left in the school year should be spent on instruction, rather than on test preparation.

In light of the governor’s announcement, Bartholomew Consolidated Schools will be closed until at least Monday, May 4th, the district announced last night.

The district now plans to hold e-learning days on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and to use the state-authorize waiver days for Mondays and Fridays during the closure. School officials say that this will allow them to get through the rest of the school year without having to use make up days. It also gives teachers more time to prepare their e-learning teaching plans.

Meals for students WILL continue to be offered Monday through Friday at various sites.

• 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 the Food Service Department at 812-376-4462.

Our White River Broadcasting Company offices on North Washington Street are closing to the public starting today through next week, so we can maintain social distancing and help fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

We will be working altered schedules in our offices but if you need to reach us you can call 812-372-4448 and we will get back with you. If you have information you need to get out to our listeners, you can call the newsroom at 812-376-4770 or e-mail news@1010wcsi.com

Gov. Eric Holcomb has announced more steps to stem the spread of the COVID-19 respiratory illness, extending the time students will be out of school until at least May.

In a speech today, the governor outlined his decision to extend the current state of emergency an additional 30 days from its original April expiration date.

The governor said that all public schools will remain closed until at least May 1st, and held out the possibility of closing them for the rest of this school year if necessary. He also announced that all state-mandated school assessments are being canceled for the academic year.

Other measures includes the suspension of evictions during the current emergency, (although rent must still be paid), banning disconnection of essential utilities and the extension of income tax payments until July 15th.

Governor’s announcement

Governor Eric J. Holcomb took additional unprecedented actions today to protect and support Hoosiers during the COVID-19 outbreak by signing executive orders that extend the closure of schools, provide economic relief and protections for individuals and businesses, and expand unemployment insurance benefits for those impacted by job loss.

“Every day we learn more about how to tackle this monster. We are being thoughtful about how to approach every action we are taking in this national public health emergency and putting Hoosiers’ health and safety first,” said Gov. Holcomb.

Daily COVID-19 testing capacity in Indiana has expanded with the addition of a new partnership between the Indiana State Department of Health and Eli Lilly and Company, and at least one other entity has initiated testing this week. In the past 24 hours, about 200 tests have been completed.

“As we increase the number of tests analyzed each day, no one should be caught off guard that the number of positive cases will increase,” said Dr. Kris Box, state health commissioner. “This will help us know where community spread is occurring in Indiana and help us mobilize resources in affected areas.”

Here is a summary of covered actions. The Executive Orders, which contain additional actions, will be found at this link: https://www.in.gov/gov/2384.htm

State of Emergency Extension

The Governor will extend the current state of emergency an additional 30 days when it expires on April 5.

K-12 schools

All K-12 public schools will remain closed until May 1. Non-public schools are also ordered closed. This date may be revised to extend through the end of the 2019-2020 school year if circumstances warrant.

All-state mandated assessments will be canceled for the current academic year. The governor has contacted U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos to share the state’s plan and also has asked the Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Jennifer McCormick to pursue any federal waivers needed to cancel the requirements for accountability, chronic absenteeism and state-mandated assessments.

Economy

The state of Indiana will align with the federal government to delay state income tax payments from April 15 to July 15. The U.S. Treasury extended the deadline to pay federal income tax by 90 days.

Penalties will be waived for 60 days for property tax paid after May 11. The state will work with counties that may experience cash flow stress because of the delay.

The state will not immediately move forward with using $300 million in reserves to pay for several capital projects approved in the just-concluded legislative session and instead maintain flexibility to utilize the funds as needed for relief efforts and to maintain current services. The state will consider using bonding authority to move forward with the just-approved capital projects.

Providers of essential utility services such as gas and electric, broadband, telecom, water and wastewater services are prohibited from discontinuing service to any customer during the public health emergency.

The state’s application to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was approved on Wednesday. This program provides targeted, low-interest loans of up to $2 million to help small businesses and nonprofits overcome the temporary loss of revenue as a result of coronavirus. See more at SBA.gov/Disaster.

Unemployment Insurance Benefits

The state will interpret Indiana’s unemployment laws to the broadest extent possible to cover Hoosiers who are out of work because of COVID-19.

Benefits will be paid to individuals who file their initial unemployment claims late.
The Department of Workforce Development will allow individuals to continue to accrue unemployment eligibility if they take work leave because of COVID-19.

DWD will seek federal authorization to provide unemployment benefits for those who are not otherwise eligible for unemployment, such individuals who have recently started a job.
For employers, DWD will not assess certain experience rate penalties because of employees who receive unemployment benefits because of COVID-19.

Housing

No residential eviction proceedings or foreclosure actions may be initiated during the public health emergency. This does not relieve the individual of obligations to pay rent or mortgage payments.

All public housing authorities are requested to extend deadlines for housing assistance recipients and required documentation to show eligibility for housing programs.

The Indiana Department of Financial Institutions and Indiana Community Housing Development Authority are required to work with financial institutions to identify tools to help promote housing stability.

Social Services

Participants in the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) and the Children’s Health Insurance Program are not required to make premium payments.

Job search requirements are waived for those applying for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) benefits.

The Family and Social Services Administration will seek a federal waiver to extend renewals for existing Medicaid and HIP recipients.

Telehealth services for mental health, substance use disorder and prescribing for Medicaid covered services will be expanded.

Insurance

The commissioner of the state Department of Insurance will request that insurers institute a 60-day moratorium on policy cancellations for non-payment of premiums. This does not suspend a policyholder’s obligation to make payments.

The commissioner will ask health insurers to cover COVID-19 testing without requiring prior authorization.

The commissioner will request that health insurers not increase prices or coverage costs that involve medical care for COVID-19.

Bureau of Motor Vehicles

To limit the number of in-branch transactions, late fees will be waived for several driver’s licenses and identification card renewals, vehicle registrations, titles, and certain other transactions.

Other operational changes in branches are being instituted to provide for the safety of employees and customers in branches, such as spacing between terminals and limiting the number of customers in the lobby.

Veterans

Requirements have been relaxed for veterans to qualify for awards from the Military Family Relief Fund.

Awards in excess of $2,500 may be approved by the IDVA director during the public health emergency.

Health and Professional Licensing

Mental health professionals are permitted to practice via telemedicine.

Advance Practice Registered Nurses are allowed to provide services in multiple locations.
The state health commissioner may waive requirements of the nursing home certificate of need statute to respond to COVID-19 issues for long-term care facilities.

More information may be found at the ISDH website at in.gov/coronavirus/ and the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

Statewide cases of COVID-19 increase

The Indiana State Department of Health says there are now 56 positive COVID-19 tests in Indiana with 380 people tested through the department. In our area there are still one cases in Bartholomew County, one in Jennings County and three in Johnson County. Two people have died from the illness statewide.

Sheriff announces cancelation of youth academy

Due to the coronavirus, the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Youth Academy, held in June since 2015, has been cancelled for 2020.

BCSO would like to thank all Bartholomew County Youth who participate, our sponsors and all of the agencies involved.

Disaster aid available for small businesses

Last night, the U.S. Small Business Administration issued a disaster declaration for the state of Indiana, offering financial assistance for Hoosier small businesses impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the state.

The declaration is in response to a formal request Governor Eric J. Holcomb submitted with the SBA on March 17, seeking assistance through the organization’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.

Under the program, small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and nonprofits across the state are eligible to apply for low-interest loans up to $2 million to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue due to the COVID-19 outbreak. These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills incurred during this public health emergency. The loan interest rates for small businesses and nonprofits are 3.75% and 2.75%, respectively, with terms up to 30 years.

To qualify for disaster loans, applicants must demonstrate credit history, the ability to repay the loan, and proof of physical presence in Indiana and working capital losses. Additionally, the Indiana Small Business Development Center, which has 10 regional offices throughout the state, will provide free business advising and application assistance for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.

To apply for loans or receive more information about the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, visit SBA.gov/Disaster. Contact 1-800-659-2955 or disastercustomerservice@sba.gov with additional questions.

The deadline to apply is Dec. 18, 2020.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for several rivers in our area, a flash flood watch for southern Indiana and is forecasting the possibility of some severe weather this evening.

The flood warnings are for Driftwood River and East Fork White River in Seymour.

Minor flooding is forecast on the Driftwood River with the river rising above flood stage by tomorrow evening and cresting Saturday afternoon. Forecasters report that it should fall below flood stage by Sunday evening.

Minor flooding is also forecast on East Fork White River in Seymour, starting this evening. The National Weather Service estimates that the river will rise above flood stage by this afternoon and continue rising through late Saturday night.

A Flash Flood Watch is also in effect for southern Indiana including Jennings and Jackson counties from this evening through tomorrow morning. Two rounds of rain, one this morning and one this evening could produce up to an inch of rain. Combined with yesterday’s rain could lead to flash flooding.

The National Weather Service has also put our area under an enhanced risk for severe weather. The state’s greatest threat for severe weather is south-central and southeastern Indiana, according to the agency.  The primary thunderstorm and severe threat will be between 6 p.m. today and 4 a.m. Friday.

The likelihood of wind damage is greater than hail or tornadoes, according to the Bartholomew County Emergency Management Agency.