Indiana State Police are reassuring the public after the governor activated the National Guard.

With rumors spreading about the purpose of the Guard call-up, Sgt. Stephen Wheeles spokesman with the Versailles State Police post, assured the public that the Guard is providing logistical assistance primarily getting medical supplies and other equipment to hospitals and medical facilities around the state.

Wheeles said that the Guard and State Police are working closely with the governor’s office to provide relief to Hoosiers. And he urged you not to spread rumors from unreliable sources.

You can watch the governor’s video explaining the Guard activation here:

The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department is reporting details of two water rescues over the weekend.

Sheriff Matt Myers says deputies and firefighters were called to the 700 block of Jonesville Road at about 3:52 a.m. Saturday morning on a report of a passenger car stalled in the water. Rescue workers saved two people from the vehicle and they were released after being checked out by Columbus Regional Health paramedics. The driver received a citation, Myers said.

Columbus Fire Department, Columbus Township Fire and Rescue Department and the  Bartholomew County Swift Water Rescue Team assisted at the scene.

The second incident was at Owens Bend Park at about 9:15 a.m. Saturday morning, when a man called to report that he was at the park on County Road 550N and cut off by high water. The county water rescue team arrived and Capt. Chris Roberts went out in the canoe, with a rope attached, and brought the man to safety. He was taken to Columbus Regional Hospital to be treated and evaluated.

Clifford Volunteer firefighters and Columbus Regional Hospital paramedics assisted at the scene.

Myers said he wants to remind everyone to never drive into waters over the roadway. “Turn around – don’t drown.”

Decatur County closes all but essential businesses

Decatur County is declaring emergency measures to fight the spread of the coronavirus including closing all but essential businesses.

The order goes into effect Monday, March 23rd at 8 a.m. According to the Decatur County Commissioners emergency ordinance:

For a period of two weeks, only critical or essential business should remain open. All other non-essential businesses should remain closed. Only those organizations providing essential services such as community food assistance, Meals on Wheels, counseling services, transportation assistance, and the like may remain open subject to further review.

Critical businesses include, but are not limited to:

• All health care service providers, including doctor offices, hospitals, pharmacies, and therapy establishments;
• Essential City of Greensburg and Decatur County governmental service offices;
• Grocery Stores;
• Funeral homes;
• Banks, lending institutions and all other related businesses;
• Gas stations and auto repair businesses;
• Convenience stores;
• “Dollar” stores;
• Day care facilities;
•  Restaurants and bars (carry out, delivery, and drive up only;
• Utility and Trash Services
• Airport;
• Postal Services/ Delivery Services;
• Veterinarian clinics;
• Home improvement/hardware;
• Hotels/Motels;
• Laundromats;
• Public Transportation;
• Agricultural Operations;
• Legal Services;
• Social Service agencies such as the Red Cross, Salvation Army, etc.;

Officials are also recommending that travel be limited to essential business only, such as grocery, medical, pharmacy, or work. There should be no public gatherings of more than ten people and all residents are to attempt at all possible times to maintain a social distance of six 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 in place with regard to cleaning and social distancing.

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.

BCSC clarifies waiver days

From: Dr. Jim Roberts, BCSC superintendent

Since we have received a number of questions regarding “waiver days”, we hope the following can better clarify:

• Indiana public schools are required to have 180 student instructional days.
• On Thursday, March 12, 2020, Governor Holcomb announced that all public schools would be allowed to claim up to 20 waiver days; in other words, 160 student instructional days (180 – 20) would be the new requirement for completing this 2019-2020 school year.
• On Thursday, March 19, 2020, Governor Holcomb announced that all public schools would be closed through at least Friday, May 1 with consideration given at a later date as to whether or not schools would reopen at all this school year.
• Given the possibility that schools would not be allowed to reopen, we made the decision to begin employing waiver days immediately by using two (2) per week through the end of the school year.
• Two (2) waiver days plus three (3) eLearning days per week gets us to the necessary 160 instructional days to complete the school year and NOT have to make up any days in June or July. Waiver days will be employed on Mondays and Fridays and eLearning conducted on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
• On eLearning days, students ARE “attending” school and required to check itslearning for assigned work. Teachers will be available online from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• On waiver days, students are NOT “attending” school (not required to be online) but can certainly use the time to work on assignments. As a school corporation, we will continue to utilize these days to meet the needs of our students. Meals will be provided, phone lines will be open, and teachers will be preparing lessons and assessing completed work on ALL days listed on the BCSC school calendar (not Good Friday or Memorial Day).

Indiana Guard assists in COVID-19 response

Roads closed on Saturday, March 21st as reported by the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department at 12:15 p.m.

• Jonesville Rd/450 S
• Jonesville Rd/Southern Crossing (both sides of the bridge)
• Jonesville Rd/Garden St
• W 450 N between 31 and 110 W
• Gladstone Ave.-City limits to 300S
• Enon Rd.
• Sunland Rd
• 225N-SR9 to Newburn Rd
• 425 North (900 E – 800 E)
• 900 North (425E – 350E)

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.