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.
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.
The unprecedented nature of the coronavirus pandemic leads us to constantly evaluate our decisions and make adjustments. With this in mind, the following represents our most current updated information:
Governor Holcomb today announced that ALL school corporations in Indiana would be closed through at least May 1, 2020. Therefore, BCSC is closed and all school-related activities canceled until Monday, May 4, 2020.
With the extended school closure, waiver days will now be utilized and the schedule for eLearning days modified. Beginning next week and throughout the closure, waiver days will occur on Mondays and Fridays and eLearning days implemented on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Such an arrangement allows us to get through the end of the school year, if necessary, without having any make-up days and provides our teachers with additional time to prepare and assess as they deliver quality instruction to our students.
Although there is a change in the eLearning days, meals for students WILL continue to be offered Monday through Friday
Meals will be available to students each day between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at Clifty Creek Elementary School, Schmitt Elementary School, Smith Elementary School, and Taylorsville Elementary School in a grab and go format to minimize person to person interaction.
Meals will include both lunch and breakfast items and are free to children under the age of 18. Adults may purchase lunches at these sites for $3.50. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Meals will also be available, via BCSC school buses, at the following locations from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. within the county:
Administration Building = Corner of 12th St. & Cottage Ave.
Central Middle School Parking Lot
Southside Elementary School Parking Lot
Columbus East High School Parking Lot
Elizabethtown Library Parking Lot
Pence Apartments
Heritage Heights Addition (near main office)
Candlelight Village
Driftside Park
Cambridge Square Apartments
Mt. Healthy Elementary School Parking Lot
9th Street Park
Anyone with questions regarding our distribution of meals can contact our Food Service Department at 812-376-4462.
For additional information:
School specific questions can be best addressed by contacting the building directly or messaging the classroom teacher.
Anyone (students, parents, staff members) with additional questions regarding eLearning should call our hotline at 812-418-0252 or email elearning@bcsc.k12.in.us.
Anyone with questions regarding our distribution of meals can contact our Food Service Department at 812-376-4462.
Parents
We recognize the challenges this extended school closure creates and hope that you know we are here to support you. Our students, YOUR children, are the most important assets in this community and together we will take care of them. TOGETHER…WE will continually check in and ask YOU to let us know when additional support is needed.
Bartholomew County courts announce changes
In response to concerns about COVID-19, the Bartholomew Circuit and Superior Courts have declared an emergency and enacted a continuity of operations plan which will change the way in which we operate.
The Bartholomew Courts have worked with the Health Department, the Sheriff’s Department, and County Commissioners to ensure we are taking the necessary steps in response to the virus. Maintaining required court operations is important. The health and safety of our employees and community are equally important. Therefore, Bartholomew Circuit and Superior Courts are adjusting the way we operate and changing procedures in the following ways:
Only essential and emergency hearings will be held in person (or by video or conference call at the discretion of the Court) during this time. This includes the following hearing types:
Initial hearings for in-custody defendants
Bond reviews
Initial hearings for CHINS and continued initials
Fact findings for CHINS that are time sensitive
Juvenile Delinquency initial hearings
Juvenile Delinquency in-custody trials
Civil commitments
Probate Mental health hearings
Limited Guardianships
Detention hearings for CHINS and Juvenile Delinquencies
Protective Orders
Any other emergency hearing at discretion of the Judge
The Courts will hold certain non-emergency hearings by conference call with the parties and attorneys. Parties should contact their attorney to determine if their hearing will take place by conference call.
Attorneys/Litigants/Parties to a Case/Subpoenaed Witnesses
Individuals who are scheduled to come to court for a hearing in a criminal matter from March 18, 2020 through April 17, 2020 should consult mycase.in.gov or contact your attorney to receive advice of counsel to verify your court date. No person will be allowed into the Courthouse to go to one of the Courts, unless they have a pending case with a scheduled hearing and are an attorney, party/litigant or subpoenaed witness to that case.
Ordinance Violation and Proceeding Supplemental Cases
All ordinance violations and proceeding supplemental cases have been postponed for at least 30 days. Parties should check mycase.in.gov for more information on when their case is rescheduled.
The Courts have thousands of cases. Please be patient as we work to reschedule cases.
E-filing and Odyssey
Indiana’s e-filing system is working. Cases and documents can continue to be filed through the statewide system. The statewide case management system (Odyssey) is working. Litigants, attorneys, press, and public can continue to view case information on mycase.in.gov.
Jail
The Bartholomew Courts are working with the Bartholomew County Sheriff to ensure public safety. The Courts will continue to review bonds; however, most other hearings and trials will be rescheduled during this time. Any questions should be directed to your attorney.
All questions regarding jail operations and visitation should be directed to the Sheriff’s
Office.
Court Services Center, Community Corrections Center and Youth Services Center
At this time, we are limiting unnecessary and non-essential public traffic into the Community Corrections Center, Court Services Center and Youth Services Center. As of Wednesday, March 18, 2020, the following will be in place through April 17, 2020:
Volunteers and the programs they present/facilitate will be suspended
Visitation of approved family members will be suspended, including off-ground passes.
Parents of juveniles will be contacted by YSC staff to explain why this is occurring and the youth will receive extra phone time.
Additionally, we are working with medical staff to evaluate persons who are ordered detained before bringing them into the Community Corrections or the Youth Services Center, screening for and conducting visual assessment for any visible signs of illness and a temperature reading.
Probation, Pretrial Operations and Court Ordered Services
In-person client reporting requirements for March 18, 2020 through April 17, 2020 are suspended unless the client is informed otherwise by their probation officer. These activities will be done via phone/computer.
Ivy Tech Community College closing all buildings Friday
Ivy Tech Community College announced that effective 5 p.m. on Friday, March 20 all of its buildings will be closed until further notice.
The College will continue to operate and deliver instruction wherever possible virtually as previously announced. With the closure of its buildings additional services to students will now also be provided virtually including advising, testing, financial aid and business office operations.
The College will be providing various ways for students to stay connected to the College while it operates virtually and has shared the following list of ways in a message to all of its students.
Check www.ivytech.edu/covid-19 to find answers to frequently asked questions about the ongoing response to COVID-19 and for campus specific e-mail addresses you can use to get assistance
Effective Friday, March 209, Schneck Medical Center will no longer allow visitors due to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 outbreak.
The only exceptions include:
Mothers in labor permitted one labor partner
Pediatric patients permitted one caregiver
Surgery patients with sedation permitted one transportation escort
Emergency department patients permitted one companion
End-of-life patients may have limited visitors, as determined by the nursing supervisor
These permitted visitors will be required to undergo health screenings and no one under 18 will be allowed.
In addition, Schneck outpatient departments, physician practices and Schneck Urgent Care will only allow one companion.
Schneck is also closing its cafeteria for dine-in patrons, though food and beverages will still be available for purchase on a take-out basis.
Schneck is creating a labor pool to assist those who have been displaced due to the coronavirus situation. While these are not current open positions, candidates in the labor pool will be called upon if staff resources become limited or additional staffing needs are identified.
Responsibilities may include supporting environmental services and staffing visitor and patient screening stations. Interested candidates may apply on the Careers page on SchneckMed.org.
As of midnight today, the Bartholomew County Health Officer shut down the county’s movie theaters, gyms and fitness centers and other indoor recreation facilities.
Dr. Brian Niedbalski, the county health officer, explains:
Niedbalski said the order is meant to limit the spread of the virus in the community.
The Bartholomew County COVID-19 Task Force released the group’s first video update to the community last night.
In the video, Niedbalski explained that the community still has a shortage of testing supplies for the virus. Health officials expect more tests to be available in the coming weeks and no one should be surprised that more testing will reveal more people with the disease.
He talked about who will be prioritized for testing once more tests are available.
The video also offers updates from Mayor Jim Lienhoop, County Commissioner President Carl Lienhoop, and Columbus Regional Health CEO Jim Bickel.
Anyone concerned about being exposed to COVID-19 or who are experiencing symptoms are encouraged to call the Columbus Regional Health COVID-19 Triage Resource Call Center at (812) 379-4449. This line is staffed around the clock by trained nursing staff.
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.
The Bartholomew County Clerk’s office is changing the way it handles some paperwork and applications during the COVID-19 outbreak.
County Clerk Jay Phelps announced today that his office will only be accepting marriage license applications by appointment and during limited times. You can start your application online at the county website at bartholomew.in.gov/clerk.html#marriage-license.
Those making child support payments should use the drop box inside the courthouse doors on Third Street. Child support payments are cash only. You can also use the drop box to make criminal restitution and judgment payments. Those can be cash or money order and you must include your cause number.
Criminal Payments Online: Payments for fines and fees can be made online at mycase.in.gov by searching with your cause number or with your first & last name only in Bartholomew County. There will be a convenience fee when paying online. Criminal cases paying restitution will not be able to make online payments.
Traffic Ticket Payments: Payments can be made at public.courts.in.gov Search with your ticket UTT number or by your name. There will be a convenience fee when paying online.
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.
Jennings County has closed all of the county buildings to the public.
The county has announced that if you have urgent business in a county office or with a county employee that you should try to reach the office by phone or email. If you are unsure which office you need to contact, you can call the auditor’s office at 812-352-3016 and they can assist you.
North Vernon Mayor Mike Ochs says that city buildings will be closed except for emergency purposes. Each department head will decide when and under what circumstances the doors will be open to the public. Each department head is also adjusting staff hours in order to avoid contamination between employees.
Ochs said that all city facilities normally rented to the public are closed and rentals are suspended. All city sponsored athletic and sports activities through the park department, including the golf leagues, are suspended. And all city sponsored non-essential events are cancelled.
The mayor also said that North Vernon City Council meetings will be reduced to only essential items, matters requiring payment and emergency circumstances.
