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Brett W. Todd - page 90

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.

Clinton County Residents Tested For Coronavirus, Additional Testing Approved – Those Results Pending

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As Clinton County officials, both County and City, take preemptive measures in dealing with COVID-19, Coronavirus, residents of Clinton County have undergone testing for the pandemic virus.

“There have been residents from Clinton Co tested and results thus far have been negative,” said Clinton County Public Health Nurse Dana Longenecker of the Clinton County Health Department (CCHD). This was as of 5:54 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2020.

However, additional testing was approved by the State of Indiana on Wednesday and those results are pending.

“There were tests authorized by the state today [Wednesday] and those results are pending,” said, Nurse Longenecker.

Preparations are ongoing in Clinton County should an outbreak occur locally.

During the Tuesday, March 17, 2020, County Commissioners meeting Rodney Wann, Administrator/Environmentalist with CCHD, provided an update of the steps the County has taken.

“As of today [Tuesday], or late yesterday afternoon [Monday], we had distributed from our inventory 1,095 masks to various County and City agencies … as well as a few of the health care facilities and nursing homes,” said Wann. “We have also distributed, as of yesterday [Monday], about 500 pairs of gloves that we also had on inventory already. Again, to supplement those agencies that will need those.”

CCHD has also made a request to the Strategic National Stockpile for additional items.

“We sent in an order [to] the Strategic National Stockpile that has been set-up out of the CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]. We put in a request for the County as of yesterday [Monday] asking for an additional 2,000 more masks to be sent to this County as well as gloves, surgical gowns and additional items that are needed by health care. As well as about 4,000 swabs in the event Darrell [Sanders] and I and Dr. Tharp decide there is a need to do a drive-thru test clinic.”

Wann addressed the likelihood if drive-thru testing would be possible.

“So that is probably our next incident management situation. To determine whether we would be able to do those or not. That is still up in the air due to testing restrictions and limitations.”

The Emergency Operation Center (EOC) has been activated according to Wann. A component of the EOC is ESF-8, which is health and medical, and CCDH is taking part in the Center. “We are going to try and staff that as often as possible and not interrupt what operations that we have regularly going,” said Wann.

CCHD is working to establish a call center to allow the public to get answers to questions they may have.

“We are in the process of establishing a call center here in the county,” said Wann. “Because right now information is most valuable and right now the most varying element. So, we are working with several folks – including ACCS – to try and get a call bank set-up.”

“At that point, we will start staffing that regularly a few hours each day and a few hours each evening try to keep consistent information out there. I anticipate that being needed if we start doing drive-thru testing and, or 12-months from now or so – we, hopefully, have to start doing immunizations.”

Dr. Stephen Tharp, Clinton County Health Officer, also spoke to the Commissioners in regards to Commissioner Josh Uitts question about keeping the public and County employees safe when coming to the courthouse.

“It’s difficult to decide at what point we need to step-up to the next level,” said Dr. Tharp.

“We have not identified a case in the county. I don’t anticipate too many people from outside of the county to be gathering in official meetings and that sort of thing. But I think it is very important to be able to conduct business, to support our population in our county with what we need to do. So there is a balance and everybody has a different idea. The reality is that we should do the things that we can and keep in mind in taking care of ourselves as well.”

Commissioner Uitts addressed putting in place a plan to have those County employees that can work from home be able to do so.

Dr. Tharp added, “Clearly anything that can be done to limit the exposure is a good thing. We have to be flexible and recognize that there is a risk and also take the precautions that we can.”

Wal-Mart Updates Store Hours

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The new hours will be from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. starting Friday, March 20, 2020.

Wal-Mart will open at 6 a.m. on Thursday, March 19 but close at 8:30 p.m.

The new hours will allow for additional cleaning and stocking.

In addition to the new hours, Wal-Mart will offer special shopping for those aged 60 and over starting every Tuesday, running through April 28th from 6am-7am.

The Auto Care Center is temporarily closed at this time.

City of Frankfort Cancels Public Meetings through April 4

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In an announcement today, Wednesday, March 18, 2020, Mayor Judith Sheets stated all City of Frankfort Public Meetings will be canceled through April 4, 2020.

This decision comes in response to the continued spread of the COVID-19, coronavirus, and the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) directive to practice social distancing and limit the size of meetings and gatherings.

Residents are also encouraged to call city offices prior to visiting as many issues and concerns may be resolved over the phone.

Public meetings being canceled include:
• March 18 Board of Zoning Appeals meeting
• March 23 Board of Works and City Council meetings
• March 23 Redevelopment Commission meeting
• All City Court dates at Old Stoney through April 7.

City of Frankfort officials will reevaluate this policy on April 1 and will consult with local health officials and ISDH prior to making any additional changes.

During the next few weeks, city leaders will be working to implement audio and video options to provide remote access to individuals once public meetings resume.

39 Hoosiers Have COVID-19

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The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) today reported nine new positive cases of COVID-19, bringing to 39 the number of Hoosiers diagnosed through ISDH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and private laboratories. Two Hoosiers have died.

The new cases involve residents of Clark (1), Fayette (1), Hamilton (1), Hendricks (1), Jennings (1), Lake (1), Madison (1) and Marion (2) counties. 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.

Data by County of Residence:

Adams
Cases: 1
Deaths: 0

Bartholomew
Cases: 1
Deaths: 0

Boone
Cases: 1
Deaths: 0

Clark
Cases: 1
Deaths: 0

Fayette
Cases: 1
Deaths: 0

Floyd
Cases: 1
Deaths: 0

Franklin
Cases: 2
Deaths: 0

Hamilton
Cases: 2
Deaths: 0

Hendricks
Cases: 4
Deaths: 0

Howard
Cases: 2
Deaths: 0

Jennings
Cases: 1
Deaths: 0

Johnson
Cases: 3
Deaths: 1

Lake
Cases: 3
Deaths: 0

LaPorte
Cases: 1
Deaths: 0

Madison
Cases: 1
Deaths: 0

Marion
Cases: 11
Deaths: 1

Noble
Cases: 1
Deaths: 0

St Joseph
Cases: 1
Deaths: 0

Wells
Cases: 1
Deaths: 0

County Commissioners Keep Solar Farm Overlay Decision Tabled

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With the restrictions communicated to the public regarding public gatherings do to the coronavirus, the Clinton County Commissioners were faced with a decision regarding the solar farm overlay at its Tuesday, March 17, 2020, meeting. Bring it up for a vote, or leave it tabled.

“We know it is a hot topic and folks are very interested in that,” said County Commissioner Josh Uitts. “So, we made the decision to take that off of the agenda because we didn’t folks coming in here being unnecessarily exposed to anything or take any kind of risk. And, at the same time, we didn’t want to make a decision of that magnitude when folks can’t be here. It’s just not the right way to do things and we are going to make sure that folks, one way or another, have the ability to attend a meeting – whether that is here physically; hopefully, in the near future or virtually.”

The solar overlay, also known by its legal document as Lupac #02-20-358 Ordinance 2020-04, could become effective even if the Commissioners do not vote.

Liz Stitzel of the Area Plan Commission informed the Commissioners at the March 3, 2020, meeting that under state law they have 90-days to either vote to approve or deny the Lupac or the Lupac becomes effective the way it is recommended by the Area Plan Commission without action.

The Commissioners asked County Attorney Tom Little to look into whether Indiana law would allow for virtual meetings. A finding will be communicated once research has been concluded.

2nd Related Death To Coronavirus In Indiana Announced By State of Indiana

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The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) today announced that a second Hoosier has died from COVID-19. The patient is a Johnson County adult over age 60 who had been hospitalized. No further information about the patient will be released due to privacy laws.

ISDH has received six new positive cases of COVID-19, bringing to 30 the number of Hoosiers diagnosed through ISDH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and private laboratories. The new cases involve residents of Lake (2), Franklin (2) and Marion (2) counties and will be included on ISDH’s online dashboard at https://www.in.gov/coronavirus/. The full list of counties with cases is included in the dashboard, which will be updated daily at 10 a.m. Cases are listed by county of residence.

Additional updates on the state’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak may be provided later today.

[Frankfort Utilities Service Board Votes To Suspend Service Disconnects Due To Non-Payment

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During the Monday, March 16, 2020, Utility Service Board meeting, the USB took the step of voting 5-0 in favor to enact a suspension of service disconnects due to non-payment.

“The City of Frankfort Municipal Utilities have enacted a suspension of service disconnect due to non-payment.”

“This action will not only help customers who are facing a hardship due to lack of income during this time, but also limit in-person interactions between company employees and the public.”

“Customers who are unable to make monthly utility payments should contact the Billing Office at (765) 659-3361 to discuss deferring payments or to make other arrangements.”

“Frankfort Municipal Utilities will continue to monitor the coronavirus response situation and adjust the shutoff policy in the future as circumstances develop.”

The USB also suggested that those customers who do not want to come inside the building may use the drive-up window and conduct business from the comfort of their car.

City of Frankfort Departments Implement Changes to Address COVID-19 Concerns

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The following update from the City of Frankfort is in regard to the changes being implemented by the various City departments.

Below is the press release issued on Monday, March 16, 2020, at 4:25 p.m.

City of Frankfort departments remain open as Mayor Sheets, and City Department Heads continue to work with Clinton County Health Department to keep city operations running smoothly, plan for contingencies, and keep residents informed.

Scheduled meetings, including Board of Zoning Appeals, Board of Works, and City Council, will continue to occur as planned. Sheets recommends only essential personnel, officeholders, and media should attend these meetings. Anyone who does not have business to conduct at city meetings is encouraged to refrain from attending.

Mayor Sheets adds, “We want to respond to this evolving situation with caution while maintaining all city functions necessary for the public health and safety; this includes police, fire, emergency medical, and utilities.”

“Each of our departments has a plan in place to provide a safe working environment for city employees and to reduce the risk to our residents by limiting non-essential interactions.”

The City of Frankfort will be suspending the following services through the end of March:
• Frankfort Fire Department will postpone regular, annual fire inspections until April. Please contact the Frankfort Fire Department at (765) 654-4329 with any questions.
• Frankfort Street Department will suspend bulk-item collection and drop-off until April. Please contact the Street Department at (765) 659-2912 with any questions.
• Frankfort Parks Department has closed all public restrooms until April. If you have any questions regarding park operations, please call (765) 659-3422
• Frankfort Building Services Department will suspend interior home inspections until April. Please contact Building Services at (765) 654-5278 with any questions.

The City of Frankfort will continue to monitor the situation while providing employees and the public with information, updates, and changes as they become available.

IN Gov. Holcomb Closes Bars, Nightclubs, and Restaurants Plus Issues Additional Directives

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Below is the full press release from Indiana Governor Holcomb.

In a continuing effort to slow the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Governor Eric J. Holcomb has announced additional efforts.

The governor and other state officials will conduct a COVID-19 briefing today at 2:30 p.m. in the south atrium of the Indiana Statehouse with the latest updates on testing and cases.

Here are additional directives from Governor Holcomb.

• Indiana will adhere to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for large events and mass gatherings. The guidance recommends no in-person events of more than 50 people. Here is a link to the guidance:

https://www.cdc.gov/…/mass-gatherings-ready-for-covid-19.ht…

• Under the current guidance for schools, 273 public school districts are closed, using e-learning days, or on spring break and have announced a future closure. The Department of Education is working with the remaining 16 school corporations to determine their next steps and needs

• Bars, nightclubs and restaurants are required to close to in-person patrons and may provide take-out and delivery services through the end of March

• Hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers should cancel and/or postpone elective and non-urgent surgical procedures immediately. This action will help the healthcare system conserve resources and personnel necessary to meet emerging health needs

• Physicians should continue to perform critical procedures necessary to prevent short-term and/or long-term adverse effects to their patients’ overall health

• The state’s Emergency Operations Center has been raised to a Level 1 status and will work in conjunction with the incident command center at the Indiana State Department of Health for planning, coordination, predictive analysis and other functions

• State employees will maximize the use of remote work and meet virtually whenever possible while maintaining operations. Non-essential in-person meetings will be limited to 10 persons or less and should meet virtually whenever possible. High-risk individuals should not attend meetings in person

• State employees over the age of 60 with underlying health conditions are advised to work from home, and agencies should identify work that can be accomplished remotely for those individuals

• The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, which are closed on Mondays, will close to the public beginning Tuesday

• The visitors center at White River State Park will close

• Indiana state parks and recreation centers, including state park inns, remain open. Restaurants will convert operations to take-out and delivery

• State agencies already are developing remote work plans for employees and will continue to implement them while maintaining necessary state services. Employees who work outdoors are encouraged to practice social distancing

• The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has suspended rules requiring certain unemployment insurance claimants to physically appear at a Work One location to engage in reemployment services for the next four weeks. This will ensure that individuals who may be symptomatic do not have to physically appear to continue their unemployment insurance eligibility

• The DWD will also request flexibility under federal and state law to expand eligibility for claimants and ease burdens on employers.

• The Indiana Economic Development Corporation will postpone the inaugural Indiana Global Economic Summit, scheduled for April 26-28

• Communities are encouraged to work together to provide child care options for all who need assistance and delivery services of meals and other necessities for senior citizens

• Hoosiers who can donate blood are encouraged to visit local blood centers. Blood supplies are low. Please follow the guidance at www.redcross.org

• More information may be found at the ISDH website at https://on.in.gov/COVID19 and the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

5 New Positive COVID-19 Cases In Indiana

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The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) today reported five new presumptive positive cases of COVID-19, bringing to 24 the number of Hoosiers diagnosed through ISDH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and private laboratories.

The new cases involve residents of Bartholomew (1), Floyd (1), Hendricks (1), Howard (1) and Marion (1) counties and have been included on ISDH’s online dashboard at https://www.in.gov/coronavirus/. The list of counties with cases is included in the dashboard, which will be updated daily at 10 a.m. Cases are listed by the county of residence.

Count of cases by the county of residence:
Adams: 1
Bartholomew: 1
Boone: 1
Floyd: 1
Hamilton: 1
Hendricks: 3
Howard: 2
Johnson: 3
LaPorte: 1
Marion: 7
Noble: 1
St Joseph: 1
Wells: 1

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