Author

Brett W. Todd - page 77

Brett W. Todd has 922 articles published.

Brett W. Todd is the managing editor of Clinton County Today. Clinton County Today is a community-focused website to provide individuals of Clinton County Indiana and surrounding areas with information impacting their lives. Clinton County Today is a service of Progressive Partners of Indiana, LLC where Brett W. Todd is its managing member.

Update (5/11/20): 8 Additional Clinton County Residents Have Now Tested Positive For COVID-19, Total of 96

Published on

[]

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) announced today, Monday, May 11, 2020, Clinton County has now had 96 residents test positive for COVID-19. There is 1 death related to COVID-19 in Clinton County. At least 761 residents of Clinton County have been tested as reported by the ISDH.

Additionally, the ISDH announced that 511 additional Hoosiers have been diagnosed with COVID-19 through testing at ISDH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and private laboratories. That brings to 24,627 the total number of Indiana residents known to have the novel coronavirus following corrections to the previous day’s total.

A total of 1,411 Hoosiers have died to date. Deaths are reported based on when data are received by ISDH and occurred over multiple days.

To date, 146,688 tests have been reported to ISDH, up from 140,029 on Saturday.

Update (5/10/20): 88 Clinton County Residents Have Now Tested Positive For COVID-19

Published on

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) announced today, Sunday, May 10, 2020, Clinton County has now had 88 residents test positive for COVID-19. There is 1 death related to COVID-19 in Clinton County. At least 692 residents of Clinton County have been tested as reported by the ISDH.

Additionally, the ISDH announced that 402 additional Hoosiers have been diagnosed with COVID-19 through testing at ISDH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and private laboratories. That brings to 24,126 the total number of Indiana residents known to have the novel coronavirus following corrections to the previous day’s total.

A total of 1,379 Hoosiers have died to date. Deaths are reported based on when data are received by ISDH and occurred over multiple days.

To date, 140,029 tests have been reported to ISDH, up from 135,686 on Saturday.

Update (5/9/20): 85 Clinton County Residents Have Now Tested Positive For COVID-19

Published on

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) announced today, Saturday, May 9, 2020, Clinton County has now had 85 residents test positive for COVID-19. There is 1 death related to COVID-19 in Clinton County. At least 659 residents of Clinton County have been tested as reported by the ISDH.

Additionally, the ISDH announced that 606 additional Hoosiers have been diagnosed with COVID-19 through testing at ISDH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and private laboratories. That brings to 23,732 the total number of Indiana residents known to have the novel coronavirus following corrections to the previous day’s total.

A total of 1,362 Hoosiers have died to date. Deaths are reported based on when data are received by ISDH and occurred over multiple days.

To date, 135,686 tests have been reported to ISDH, up from 130,128 on Friday.

Safety of Utilities Employees Cited As A Reason Why USB Continues To Keep Lagoons Closed

Published on

The five members of the Frankfort Utility Service Board issued a press release, Thursday, May 7, 2020, addressing the closure of the Frankfort Lagoons.

Below is the press release in its entirety.

The Frankfort Lagoons were created years ago as the answer to sewage treatment issues created by a local industry. Their purpose was to collect and hold water used by that industry to be disposed of without processing the water through the entire sanitary sewage treatment process. After the industry closed, the infrastructure conveying the water to the Lagoons was incorporated into the storm water drainage system for a section of the city. The storm water and water supplied by electric powered wells are the main water sources for the Lagoons today. The Lagoons continue to be maintained and operated as a part of the utility infrastructure in the City.

In the 1970’s, the Utility Service Board (USB) was created by the Frankfort City Council to oversee the Frankfort Water Works, Frankfort Light and Power, Wastewater Treatment Department, and Sewer Maintenance Department. More recently, the Fiber Optic Network was added to the Board’s responsibility.

There are five members on the Board. Three are appointed by the Mayor and two by the City Council. Per state statute, the Board is responsible for supervising the utilities to ensure that the operation of the utilities is in the best interest and to the benefit of the ratepayers. Policymaking regarding the operation of the utilities, its real estate, and its infrastructure is part of the supervisory powers granted the Board. Since the temporary closing of the Lagoons is a policy made by the Board and since the Lagoons fall under the umbrella of the utility infrastructure, the USB, not the Mayor, not the City Council, and not the Department of Natural Resources will provide the rationale for the decision and will continue to serve as the decision maker with regard to the Lagoons.

In the beginning, Governor’s Executive order declared, among many things, that people should stay at home, limited public gathering, and asked that certain types of places be closed to the public. With this order in mind, the USB felt it was in the best interest of the public and more importantly of its employees, that the Lagoons be closed. A significant factor in the closing was, and continues to be the fact that employees of the utilities are ultimately responsible for the care, maintenance, and trash removal for the Lagoons. The USB also is thankful for and mindful of the many volunteers who have routinely assisted in cleaning up the trash and hazardous items left in the area. Why would the USB want to put any of these employees’ or volunteers’ health in jeopardy? After considering the safety of the employees, the volunteers, and the public, the decision was made to close the Lagoons. Recently some of the Governor’s restrictions were amended to allow more activities, but there was also a provision for local authorities to utilize a slower process to reopen to the public. After considering the increase in the reported cases most recently in Clinton County, the USB decided to keep the Lagoons closed at this time, but to review the current data as it becomes available, and to reopen the Lagoons when employees, volunteers, and the public face minimal health risk. The health and safety of the employees, volunteers, and the public are matters of great importance to the USB. The USB appreciates the public’s understanding and cooperation during this time of public health emergency. We will continue to analyze the situation as it arises and will make decisions as appropriate.

Frankfort Utility Service Board
Mike Kelley (Chairman)
Kent Brewer (Vice Chairman)
Joe Root
Mike Reeder
Rick Gunyon

Update (5/8/20): 80 Clinton County Residents Have Now Tested Positive For COVID-19

Published on

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) announced today, Friday, May 8, 2020, Clinton County has now had 80 residents test positive for COVID-19. There is 1 death related to COVID-19 in Clinton County. At least 619 residents of Clinton County have been tested as reported by the ISDH.

Additionally, the ISDH announced that 675 additional Hoosiers have been diagnosed with COVID-19 through testing at ISDH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and private laboratories. That brings to 23,146 the total number of Indiana residents known to have the novel coronavirus following corrections to the previous day’s total.

A total of 1,328 Hoosiers have died to date. Deaths are reported based on when data are received by ISDH and occurred over multiple days.

To date, 130,128 tests have been reported to ISDH, up from 124,782 on Thursday.

Update (5/7/20): 5 Additional Clinton County Residents Have Tested Positive For COVID-19, Brings Total To 75

Published on

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) announced today, Thursday, May 7, 2020, Clinton County has now had 75 residents test positive for COVID-19. The five (5) new cases reported consists of three (3) females; one (1) each in the (20-29), (30-39), and (40-49 ) age groups. And, two (2) males; one (1) each in the (30-39) and (40-49) age groups. There is 1 death related to COVID-19 in Clinton County. At least 600 residents of Clinton County have been tested as reported by the ISDH.

Additionally, the ISDH announced that 650 additional Hoosiers have been diagnosed with COVID-19 through testing at ISDH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and private laboratories. That brings to 22,503 the total number of Indiana residents known to have the novel coronavirus following corrections to the previous day’s total.

A total of 1,295 Hoosiers have died to date. Deaths are reported based on when data are received by ISDH and occurred over multiple days.

To date, 124,782 tests have been reported to ISDH, up from 120,496 on Wednesday.

Update (5/6/20): 5 Additional Clinton County Residents Have Tested Positive For COVID-19, Brings Total To 70

Published on

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) announced today, Wednesday, May 6, 2020, Clinton County has now had 70 residents test positive for COVID-19. The five (5) new cases reported consists of three (3) females; one (1) each in the (40-49), (50-59), and (80+ ) age groups. And, two (2) males; one (1) each in the (30-39) and (60-69) age groups. There is 1 death related to COVID-19 in Clinton County. At least 585 residents of Clinton County have been tested as reported by the ISDH.

Additionally, the ISDH announced that 862 additional Hoosiers have been diagnosed with COVID-19 through testing at ISDH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and private laboratories. That brings to 21,870 the total number of Indiana residents known to have the novel coronavirus following corrections to the previous day’s total.

A total of 1,264 Hoosiers have died to date. Deaths are reported based on when data are received by ISDH and occurred over multiple days.

To date, 120,496 tests have been reported to ISDH, up from 115,834 on Tuesday.

Update (5/5/20): 1 Additional Clinton County Resident Has Tested Positive For COVID-19, Brings Total To 65

Published on

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) announced today, Tuesday, May 5, 2020, Clinton County has now had 65 residents test positive for COVID-19. The one (1) new case reported was a female in the (40-49) age group. There is 1 death related to COVID-19 in Clinton County. At least 567 residents of Clinton County have been tested as reported by the ISDH.

Additionally, the ISDH announced that 541 additional Hoosiers have been diagnosed with COVID-19 through testing at ISDH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and private laboratories. That brings to 21,033 the total number of Indiana residents known to have the novel coronavirus following corrections to the previous day’s total.

A total of 1,213 Hoosiers have died to date. Deaths are reported based on when data are received by ISDH and occurred over multiple days.

To date, 115,834 tests have been reported to ISDH, up from 113,297 on Monday.

Frankfort Utility Service Board Provides IDEM Guidance for Flushing Water Systems

Published on

During the Monday, May 4, 2020, USB Meeting, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management guidance to re-opening buildings that may have been temporarily shut down or used less frequently over the last several weeks due to COVID-19 pandemic was shared.

Here is the link to download the complete document in pdf format:
https://www.in.gov/idem/cleanwater/files/dw_guidance_flushing_systems.pdf

Below is the text of the document:

This document is designed to help public water systems prepare their systems for safe use once they reopen buildings that may have been temporarily closed or used less frequently due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is imperative that operators adhere to the flushing instructions below to ensure their indoor plumbing is receiving fresh water and not stagnant water. The flushing instructions apply to:

• Community water systems such as municipal water supplies, subdivisions, or mobile home parks
• Non-transient non-community water systems such as schools, daycares or factories
• Transient water systems such as churches, restaurants/bars or campgrounds

Issues Caused by Stagnant Water

When water is not used over an extended period, it will become stagnant. Stagnant or standing water can cause conditions that increase the risk for growth and spread of Legionella and other harmful biofilmassociated bacteria. When water is stagnant, hot water temperatures can decrease to the Legionella growth range (77–108°F, 25–42°C). Stagnant water can also lead to low or undetectable levels of disinfectants such as chlorine and could also cause corrosion issues. It is critical to ensure water systems are safe to use after a prolonged shutdown to minimize the risk of Legionnaires’ and other diseases associated with stagnant water.

How to Remove Stagnant Water

Since stagnant water is a potential health risk and can impact water quality, it is necessary to systematically flush the plumbing. In general, flushing involves opening taps and other fixtures and letting water run to remove any stagnant water within plumbing and fixtures. To protect the health and safety of consumers, IDEM recommends that you carefully read and adhere to the following instructions, which provide a systematic approach for conducting a complete flush.

NOTE: Some buildings have water treatment systems and those treatment devices need to be cleaned, flushed, and maintained as part of the start-up process. After flushing, water filters need to be replaced. If there is a point-of-entry water treatment system such as a water softener or filter, please refer to the instruction manual for information on how to replace the filter.

Flushing Instructions

Please complete these steps in the order set out below. Finish each step completely before moving on to the next step. During the initial flushing, it is a good idea to wear protective respiratory equipment. Discoloration and a lingering odor may occur during flushing; these issues are expected and are not a health issue.

1. Flush ALL cold water taps for at least 5 minutes.

Begin the cold water flushing procedure. Open ALL cold-water fixtures and run them for at least 5 minutes. Shut the water off after 5 minutes. Flush each toilet at least one time. This step includes the water in your refrigerator water dispenser.

Flushing should begin at the water service entrance and proceed through the building to the end points of the plumbing system in the building(s). Depending on flow and pressure, you may need to increase the flushing time to ensure all stagnant water has been flushed.

2. Flush ALL hot water taps for 15 minutes.

Once the cold water lines have been flushed, begin the hot water flushing procedure. Open ALL hot water taps in your bathroom(s) including lavatory (sink) fixtures, hot water bath fixtures, and any other hot water fixtures such as kitchens, wet bars, etc. Run these hot water fixtures for at least 15 minutes. Shut the water off after 15 minutes. Depending on the size of the hot water tank, you may need to flush longer to ensure the water in the tank has drained and fresh water has refilled the tank. These steps should be effective at removing contaminants from the water heater. However, for information on draining and cleaning the water heater, please consult the manufacturer.

3. Flush ALL remaining appliances and faucets for 5 minutes.

Open any remaining fixtures such as hose bibs, external faucets, or fixtures not used for drinking for at least 5 minutes to finish the plumbing system flushing. Take additional steps to remove water from other appliances including:

• Ice Makers
• Dishwashers
• Washing Machines
• Humidifiers
• CPAP Machines
• Oral, Medical, or Health Care Devices
• Baby Formula
• Water Filters
• Water Softeners
• Filters (point of use and whole house)

Remove ice from the ice maker bin and discard 2 additional batches of ice. Run empty dishwasher and washing machine once on rinse cycle.

4. Perform periodic ongoing flushes.

Periodic flushing is important to maintain water quality. Full-building, periodic flushes proceed the same as the initial flush except water tanks do not need to be drained and hot water flushing times are the same as cold water flushing times.

If you have chlorinated water, it is a good idea to measure chlorine residual during periodic flushes.

For additional COVID-19 response information that is more detailed, please visit:
https://engineering.purdue.edu/PlumbingSafety/project

Other Resources
• Guidance for Building Water Systems (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/building-water-system.html

• Return to Service Guidance (American Water Works Association)

https://www.awwa.org/Resources-Tools/Resource-Topics/Coronavirus#10681543-shutoffs-and-return-to-service-guidance

1 … 75 76 77 78 79 … 93
Go to Top