A new travel ban goes into effect this morning in Decatur County with the goal of keeping people at home and stopping the spread of COVID-19.

Local law enforcement says they will not be out specifically looking for those breaking the restrictions of the travel warning, but everyone should still follow the new limits.

The Decatur County Commissioners declared a local disaster emergency and issued the travel warning Tuesday. The warning is in effect until at least April 9th.

In a joint statement issued by the Decatur County prosecutor, sheriff and commissioners, as well as the Greensburg mayor and police chief, officials said officers are not out looking for violators but while doing their regular police work, if they happen to find subjects in violation they could face charges. Officers will be forwarding those reports to the prosecutor for consideration of charges.

They said there may also be occasions where officers investigate gatherings that pose a danger of spreading the disease. The criminal justice system is not looking for arrests, but residents who break the law are putting others at risk, they said.

Violating an emergency order is a Class B misdemeanor and violators could face up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Decatur County Prosecuting Attorney Nate Harter said that in a time of crisis, the rule of law becomes even more important.

“If you have to be out for essential purposes like obtaining food or medical treatment, at least do so using social distancing and proper hygiene,” he said. “If you don’t have to be out, stay home. It’s temporarily the law, and it is also the right thing to do.”

State officials report 48 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Decatur County.

A Seymour man is facing drug dealing charges after being stopped by officers from several police agencies Tuesday afternoon.

Seymour police, working with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department and the federal DEA, stopped a vehicle being driven by 56-year-old Jeffrey L. Forrest at about 3:50 Tuesday afternoon. Forrest has been the target of an ongoing joint investigation into methamphetamine dealing by the DEA and had an outstanding warrant for dealing methamphetamine out of Jackson County.

During the traffic stop, officers found 10 grams of methamphetamine, $2,259 dollars in cash, 1.4 lbs of marijuana, digital scales, ammunition, and multiple items of drug of paraphernalia. A search at the Jackson County Jail, revealed Forrest was carrying additional methamphetamine.

He is facing charges including dealing marijuana and methamphetamine, and possession of meth, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

A Columbus man found sitting in someone else’s car is being accused of attempted theft and other charges.

Columbus police say they saw a man with a flashlight looking inside vehicles parked in the 1500 block of Central Avenue at about 11:30 Tuesday night. He was sitting in a vehicle that had been left unlocked when police approached and he said he did not know who the vehicle belonged to.

After being taken into custody, a search revealed hydrocodone which he did not have a prescription for. 31-year-old Ryan M. Melloh was arrested on preliminary charges of unlawful entry of a vehicle, attempted theft, possession of a controlled substance and possession of a legend drug.

Clerk suspends marriage license applications

The Bartholomew County Clerk’s office is no longer accepting marriage license applications. The clerk’s office announced several changes to its operating procedures two weeks ago in reaction to the COVID-19 threat.

At the time, Bartholomew County Clerk Jay Phelps said his office would only be accepting marriage license applications by appointment and during limited times.

However with the change announced yesterday, the office is no longer accepting the applications at all. The office will revisit the decision after after April 6th and alert the public to any changes.

Other changes remaining in effect include:

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.

You can make criminal payments online through the state as well as pay traffic tickets.

State count shows 2,500+ COVID-19 cases

The Indiana State Department of Health is reporting 2,565 positive COVID-19 test results as of this morning’s daily update and 65 deaths from the disease across the state. So far there have been 14,375 tests completed for the disease by the health department.

Bartholomew County has 13 reported cases.

Decatur County has 48 confirmed cases. 17 cases are reported in Jennings and 19 in Shelby Counties, 10 in Jackson County and 3 in Brown County. Johnson County has 118 confirmed cases.

Marion County leads the state with 1,117 confirmed cases.

Decatur County officials clarify enforcement of travel warning

Decatur County officials released a statement on the enforcement of the local disaster emergency order and travel warning that goes into effect Thursday morning:

Decatur County Prosecuting Attorney Nate Harter, together with Sheriff Dave Durant, Greensburg Mayor Joshua Marsh, Greensburg Police Chief Brendan Bridges, and President of the County Commissioners Rick Nobbe, issue the following statement regarding enforcement of recent emergency declarations by the Decatur County Commissioners, the Decatur County Health Department, and the Decatur County Emergency Management Agency.

The County Commissioners have issued a declaration of local disaster emergency and local travel warning under Indiana Code 10-14-3-29 and -29.5. This severely limits travel to include only the most essential functions such as emergency management workers, healthcare providers, and food providers. Individuals are directed to:

• refrain from all travel, except as permitted in the declaration
• comply with necessary emergency measures;
• cooperate with public officials and disaster services forces in executing emergency operations plans; and
• obey and comply with the lawful directions of properly identified officers.

Pursuant to Indiana Code 10-14-3-34, knowing, intentional, or reckless violation of this emergency order is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by 0-180 days in the Decatur County Jail, and a fine of up to $1,000.00.

As the chief law enforcement officer in the county, it is the job of the prosecuting attorney to enforce the above laws. Law enforcement agencies in Decatur County will continue their hard work to disrupt criminal activity. Officers are not out looking for violators of the above declarations and ordinances, but if- while investigating traffic violations, existing curfew violations, or crimes- they happen to find that the subjects are in violation of the travel restrictions, they will report those violations to the prosecuting attorney, who will review the facts for filing criminal and/or civil charges. There may be occasions in which law enforcement investigate gatherings and activities that pose a danger of spreading the disease. The criminal justice system is not looking for arrests, but residents who break the law are putting others at risk. There must be accountability and consequences to such recklessness in order to protect our vulnerable populations and the public servants who risk their health for our safety.

Decatur County Prosecuting Attorney Nate Harter wants to recognize the County Commissioners, Health Department Director Sean Durbin, Decatur County Memorial Hospital CEO Rex McKinney, and Emergency Management Agency Director Brad Speer for their hard work toward containing this outbreak. Making the conscious decision to limit the freedom of their friends and neighbors cannot have been an easy decision, or one they took lightly. Harter further wants to express his gratitude to the dispatchers, EMTs, doctors, nurses, firemen, jailers, law enforcement, and others who continue to serve, even at the risk of their own health, in order to protect our safety.

Said Harter, “This community faces a tremendous challenge, and we will be measured by how we come together and unify behind caring for our friends, family, and neighbors. While there will be suffering ahead of us, we must address this hardship together, with grit and grace toward one another. In a time of crisis, the rule of law becomes even more important. That is why I am dedicated to enforcing the restrictions enacted by our locally elected officials. If you have to be out for essential purposes like obtaining food or medical treatment, at least do so using social distancing and proper hygiene. If you don’t have to be out, stay home. It’s temporarily the law, and it is also the right thing to do.”

/s/ Nathan W. Harter IV
Decatur County Prosecuting Attorney

/s/ David K. Durant
Decatur County Sheriff

/s/ Rick J. Nobbe
President, Decatur County Commissioners

/s/ Joshua L. Marsh
Mayor, City of Greensburg

/s/ Brendan Bridges
Chief of Greensburg Police Department

Decatur County is further locking down the community in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the weekend, county health officials said that Decatur County had the highest per capita rate of COVID-19 infections in the state. Decatur County has 47 confirmed cases as of yesterday morning’s tally from the state health department.

Decatur County Commissioners on Tuesday declared a travel warning, effective Thursday morning at 8 a.m. The warning bans any travel in the county except for a few categories outlined in the ordinance.

Emergency management workers, health care service providers, essential Greensburg and Decatur County governmental offices, public utilities workers, veterinarians, funeral homes and media are allowed to travel, but only for work and when the work cannot be done remotely.

Another larger category of workers can travel to work but only between 5 a.m. in the morning and 10 p.m. at night. That group includes grocery store workers, community food assistance, agriculture, laundromats, banks, home healthcare workers, critical trades and others.

The county health department warns that those who are required to work between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. must be essential workers and should get a letter from their employer declaring them so. Also, workers who must travel to work outside the community should get a letter.

The emergency order also closes all restaurants and puts in place rules for businesses on social distancing.

Failure to comply with the emergency order can be treated as a class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and up to a $1,000 fine.

The order is in effect until April 9th and can be re-evaluated by county commissioners then.

The ordinance:

New Travel Warning issued by Decatur County Commissioners on March 31, 2020, effective Thursday, April 2 at 8 a.m.

Ordinance No. 2020-____
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE
DECATUR COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

WHEREAS, Decatur County believes its residents are immediately threatened by the Coronavirus/COVID-19 and believe it is imperative to take action at this time in an effort to protect citizens and contain the spread of the virus to the greatest extent possible, and

WHEREAS, Covid19 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 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, and:

WHEREAS, The Board of Commissioners of Decatur County, pursuant to IC 36-8-2-4 and 5, is authorized to regulate conduct that might endanger the public health, safety or welfare and to impose restrictions to prevent the transmission of diseases, and:

WHEREAS, The Board of Commissioners of Decatur County, pursuant to IC 10-14-3-29 and 29.5, is authorized to issue local travel advisories as part of its emergency powers, and must designate the travel advisory as falling into “Advisory”, “Watch”, or “Warning” categories, and:

WHEREAS, as of March 31, 2020 Decatur County has the highest per capita rate of confirmed COVID-19 infection in the State of Indiana, and:

WHEREAS, Governor Holcomb’s Executive Order 20-08 grants the Decatur County Board of Commissioners the power to impose further restrictions necessary to address the needs in Decatur County, and:

WHEREAS, due to the severity of COVID-19 and the need to take urgent action, the following is effective Thursday April 2, 2020 at 8:00 am:

NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of Commissioners of Decatur County, Indiana, do hereby declare:

1.) That a local disaster emergency continues to exist in Decatur County due to COVID-19.

2.) That we invoke all appropriate laws, statutes, ordinances and resolutions necessary to exercise emergency authority for the protection of the lives and property of the people of Decatur County, with special reference to Indiana Code 10-14-3.

3.) This ordinance shall remain in effect for seven days after adoption, until April 9, 2020 at 8:00 am, and may be renewed by the Board of Commissioners.

4.) That a local travel WARNING advisory is hereby issued under IC 10-14-3-29.5. For purposes of this advisory the term travel is not restricted to travel by automobile and extends to travel by any means.

This means:
a. Individuals must refrain from all travel unless it is for purposes specifically stated in this ordinance.
b. Individuals must comply with all emergency measures currently in effect under Governor Holcomb’s executive orders and Decatur County’s emergency ordinances.
c. Individuals must cooperate with public officials in the execution of emergency operations including, but not limited to:

i. State and Local Health Departments,
ii. State and Local Emergency Management Agencies,
iii. Law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical service first responders,
iv. Health care providers in matters related to medical advice and treatment regarding directions related to Covid-19;

5.) Travel is RESTRICTED under IC 10-14-3-29.5(a)(3)(A) except by the following when traveling to and from, and only when the work cannot be done remotely:

a. Emergency Management Workers, as defined by Indiana law;
b. All health care service providers, including doctor offices, hospitals, pharmacies, and therapy establishments, and those seeking emergency medical care;
c. Essential City of Greensburg and Decatur County governmental service offices;
d. Veterinarian clinics (for emergencies only);
e. Funeral homes;
f. Media;
g. Employees who work in public utilities infrastructure.

6.) Travel is further RESTRICTED under IC 10-14-3-29.5(a)(3)(A) except by the following when traveling to and from, only when the work cannot be done remotely, and only between the hours of 5:00 am and 10:00 pm:

a. Grocery Stores or other retailers and manufacturers/suppliers/processors of food (not to include restaurants or liquor stores);
b. Organizations providing essential services such as community food assistance.
c. Social Service agencies, e.g. Red Cross, Salvation Army, etc.;
d. Utility and Trash Services;
e. Postal/Delivery Services;
f. Public Transportation providers for medical purposes only;
g. Agricultural Operations;
h. Legal Services;
i. Laundromats;
j. Auto Repair Businesses for emergencies only;
k. Those required by law enforcement or court order;
l. Banks and other financial institutions (only drive-thru service for customers);
m. Home Based Healthcare Services;
n. Critical trades where the work is necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, government agencies, and businesses engaged in essential activities and business operations:
i. Plumbers;
ii. Electricians;
iii. Operating Engineers;
iv. Janitorial Staff;

7.) When travelling for authorized purposes individuals must maintain social distancing, including proper hygiene and a minimum distance of six feet from individuals.

8.) Businesses that must remain open to the public shall comply with Governor Holcomb’s Executive Order 20-08 § 17 by designating by signage or tape and enforcing six foot distances at places where lines of customers occur; making hand sanitizer readily available to employees and customer; operating separate hours for vulnerable populations; and displaying signage directing customers to do business by telephone or online means as the preferred mode of business.

9.) In addition, all businesses open to the public must limit the number of customers in the business to a number that enforces social distancing and shall designate by signage or tape a six foot space where customers must wait outside before being permitted entry.

10.) Pursuant to guidance from the Indiana and Decatur County Departments of Health, exercise outside such as walking, biking, or jogging is NOT considered prohibited travel, on the condition that it is performed alone or with another member of your household. All existing limitations such as curfews and park hours remain in effect. All playgrounds are prohibited.

11.) Pursuant to Indiana Code 10-14-3-34, knowing, intentional, or reckless violation of this Emergency Order is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by 0-180 days in the Decatur County Jail, and a fine of up to $1,000.00.

The Board of Commissioners acknowledge the hardship and sacrifice that is being imposed on the businesses and citizens of Decatur 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 Decatur County Citizens.

This is an ongoing and evolving public health crisis. In addition to the criminal and civil sanctions in Paragraphs 11, refusal to comply may result in suspension of permits as well as fines by order of the Decatur County Health Department and the Health Officer under IC 16-20-1-19 and IC16-20-1-21.

Read and adopted this 31st day of March, 2020.

Decatur County Board of Commissioners

__________________________________________________
Rick J. Nobbe

__________________________________________________
Jerome Buening

__________________________________________________
Mark Koors