A nearly three-year partnership between the Rotary Club of Jasper and District 7 DNR Law Enforcement culminated last night with the acquisition of two new all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) for on-duty use by Indiana Conservation Officers.

The goal of the partnership was to spread awareness of ATV safety, including the importance of wearing helmets when riding ATVs.

Over the course of the partnership, the Jasper Rotary provided up to $100 in free ATV safety gear to area youth who completed the Indiana DNR online ATV safety course. More than $9,000 dollars of safety gear was purchased through the program, and DNR Law Enforcement used the remaining funds to purchase the new ATVs.

One ATV will be dedicated for use with the operational District 7 ATV safety trailer that officers use during educational appearances. The second will be used for patrol, such as responding to natural disasters and searching for individuals who become lost in the outdoors in District 7.  

In a ceremony, yesterday at AC Motorsports in St. Anthony, the keys for the two ATVs were presented by the Jasper Rotary to District 7 DNR Law Enforcement. The ATVs are a Can-am Outlander 450 and Can-am DS 250. 

Indiana’s ATV helmet law came into effect on July 1, 2017.

The law requires individuals younger than 18 to wear a helmet when on an ATV.  

Since the law’s inception, Indiana has seen a significant decline in the number of youth fatalities related to ATV accidents.

With a heavy heart, the 48th Annual Seymour Oktoberfest has been canceled. 

While Indiana’s Back on Track Plan allows for fairs and festivals to be held on or after July 4, there is still uncertainty regarding potential restrictions through the remainder of this year, according to the festival committee.

“As with other fairs and festivals in Indiana, we have had to address this uncertainty while keeping the health and safety of the public a top priority,” the group noted on their Facebook page. 

Specifically, some of their major concerns included:

• Uncertainty surrounding Indiana’s Back on Track Plan timeline
• Challenges regarding restrictions and best practices for social distancing, PPE use, contact tracing, etc.
• Logistical concerns for increased sanitation efforts
• Disruption in the food supply chain

“We do not take this decision lightly. This decision will impact our community and the local businesses and organizations that participate in the Seymour Oktoberfest. Our beloved festival would not be the same without their support and the public’s patronage, and this fact made our decision even more difficult,” the group wrote. 

​”As Indiana and other states continue the process of reopening, we are hopeful that we can all work together to learn, adapt, and overcome. Through the remainder of 2020, we will stay in communication with health officials, vendors, partners, and industry peers to prepare for a return in 2021.”

Face masks, playground closures, and alternating days of instruction for different groups of students are among the measures schools are asked to consider as they build out plans to reopen school buildings in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, according to new guidance released by the Indiana Department of Education.  

IDOE released this morning a 38-page re-entry document (see here june-5-class-document)

Per Governor Holcomb’s executive order, Indiana schools are allowed to reopen on July 1. However, the state is leaving the decision for fall classes and sports to locals schools. 

The guidance makes a series of recommendations to schools but does not mandate any policy changes.

Instead, it details a number of measures for school leaders to consider, while leaving final decisions up to the schools. 

Administrators are asked to work with their local health
departments to assess the school’s ability to implement the necessary health and safety measures required to prevent the spread of disease.

Indiana’s Considerations for Learning and Safe Schools (IN-CLASS) was developed in partnership with the Governor’s office, the Indiana State Department of Health, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, the Indiana High School Athletic Association, and IDOE’s Reentry Advisory Group, comprised of practitioners and professional organizations.

“The health and safety of Hoosier students, school staff, and communities is priority one. Providing students with a quality education is critical and therefore it is crucial we offer considerations focused on getting students back in the classroom in a safe manner,” said State Superintendent Dr. Jennifer McCormick.

“Considering the many unknowns associated with COVID-19, we also recognize the importance of alternative learning opportunities. We appreciate the thoughtful and collaborative spirit in which IN-CLASS was developed.”

School buildings have been closed since mid-March and will remain that way through June 30. 

Proms and graduations have been postponed and sometimes canceled around the state as administrators struggle to find a way to keep students and staff safe. 

Gov. Eric Holcomb ordered school buildings to close to stop the spread of the coronavirus, is expected to address the reopening of schools during his regular press conference Friday afternoon at 2:30p. 

You can listen to the LIVE address on WSLM 97.9 FM and WSLM 1220 AM as well as the station’s social media pages. 

Holcomb has said that he’s convinced that the state’s schools will be able to reopen safely, but there won’t be a one-size-fits-all approach.

One of the big questions surrounding a return to school is fall sports. 

According to the Indiana High School Athletic Association, sports practices can begin on July 1. 

The IDOE released the following guidance for fall sports. 

Indiana’s Athletics/Physical Education Re-entry Considerations

Phase I:  The Safe Return of Student-Athletes, Coaches, and Medical Staff.  (July 1)

Administrative Practices 

• Establish an alternate command structure for the coaching staff. 
• Athletes or staff showing any illness (fevers, cold symptoms, stomach issues etc.) must be symptom-free for 72 hours and have a negative COVID-19 test 
• Follow specific return to school protocol in reference to participation for student-athletes, coaches or support staff members that no longer test positive for COVID-19. See Appendix A, Reference Return to School After Exclusion
• Liability Waiver for participation for coaches and athletes signed by parents.
• IHSAA’s guidance: Effective immediately, valid physical and consent forms presented to member schools on behalf of eligible students during the 2019-2020 school year shall be valid during the upcoming 2020-2021 school year.
• IHSAA guidance for opening and summer activities: https://ihsaa.org/Portals/0/ihsaa/documents/news%20media/2019-20/050620.pdf?ver=2020-05-06-155818-543  

Facilities and Equipment 

• Provide PPE for coaching staff and athletic trainers. 
• Clean and disinfect all athletic facilities. 
• Limit the number of people in the weight room at one time to accommodate appropriate social distancing. 
• Clean and disinfect equipment and high-touch surfaces (including door handles) in weight rooms after use.
• Clean and disinfect locker rooms after each use. 
• Clean and disinfect equipment and high-touch surfaces (including door handles) in athletic training facilities after use.
• If appropriate, encourage students to change clothing at home before and after practices/games.
• Showering is acceptable, however, reducing the number of students in the locker room to address social distancing is encouraged. 
• The use of school swimming pools is acceptable, however, schools should take necessary steps to promote health and safety. 
  • State and local guidelines that may determine when and how recreational water facilities may operate should be followed.
  • Individuals should continue to protect themselves and others at recreational water venues both in and out of the water (e.g. practicing social distancing and good hand hygiene.)

Practices and Games

• Institute temperature checks before all organized team activities.
• In an effort to meet hydration needs for all athletes, provide individual, labeled water bottles or disposable cups for all student-athletes and coaches. 
• Implement social distancing whenever possible. See Appendix B
• Consider scheduling adjustments to reduce event duration. 
• Reduce celebratory contact through hugs, high-fives etc. 
• Enforce daily practice gear sanitization.  
• Disinfect equipment after each use.
• Limit number of spectators, athletes, and staff to the number approved by the health department at the time of the competition
• Prohibit spectators at practices.

Prior to the start of this fall, schools will need to review these plans with their local health departments. 

WSLM will be reviewing plans for re-opening with local school in additional stories. 

As part of NASCAR’s revised 2020 schedule, the Quaker State 400 presented by Walmart will be held on Sunday, July 12 at 2:30 p.m. at Kentucky Speedway. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, all July 2020 NASCAR races at Kentucky Speedway will take place without spectators in attendance as part of NASCAR’s effort to bring live competition back to a worldwide broadcast audience.

“I would like to thank Governor Andy Beshear, Senior Advisor Rocky Adkins and Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack for working in collaboration with NASCAR and Kentucky Speedway to assure this year’s race weekend takes place in a way that protects the safety of participants and the community,” said Mark Simendinger, executive vice president and general manager, Kentucky Speedway. “We are excited to take our turn as NASCAR leads the sports world back to live events. And what a turn we have by showcasing four races in four days.”

NASCAR and Kentucky Speedway have developed a comprehensive plan that has been reviewed and discussed with state and local health agencies to protect the safety and well-being of the competitors, crew members, employees and broadcast crews that will produce the live racing action. The plan includes limiting overall personnel, pre-event screening, social distancing on site, using personal protection equipment and sanitizing areas of the facility both before, during and after the event.

The NASCAR Xfinity Series, featuring the Kentucky 200 and the Alsco 300, will kick off the quadruple NASCAR National Series race weekend with a doubleheader to be held under the lights, Thursday and Friday July 9 – 10. Both Xfinity Series races are scheduled to start at 8:00 p.m. and will air live on FS1 and PRN / Sirius XM NASCAR radio.

Also included on NASCAR’s revised event schedule is the Buckle Up In Your Truck 225 NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series rescheduled for Saturday, July 11 at 1 p.m. The race will be broadcast on FS1 and MRN / Sirius XM NASCAR radio.

“We are very disappointed that the coronavirus pandemic dictates that we will not have spectators at this year’s races,” Simendinger said. “We work all year for this weekend and to not be able to share it with fans, especially in the 10th anniversary year of the Quaker State 400, is tough. The health and safety of the public comes first so we hope fans will catch all of the action on FOX or PRN. Plus, I believe Kyle Busch has a score to settle with his brother, Kurt, after last year’s classic finish.”

Quaker State 400 weekend ticketholders on file may choose to receive an event credit for the full amount paid plus an additional 20 percent, or choose to receive a full refund of their purchase price.* The event credit can be applied toward any admissions, including, but not limited to, grandstand seating, suite and premium tickets, camping, fan hospitality and pit passes. The 120-percent event credit can be used during the remaining 2020 or 2021 seasons for a NASCAR sanctioned event conducted with fans at any Speedway Motorsports owned track, subject to availability.

Fans are advised to keep their current tickets and asked to complete an exchange request form at www.kentuckyspeedway.com to start the process. Ticket office representatives will follow up with fans within four weeks regarding the status of their request. Ticketholders should email tickets@kentuckyspeedway.com or call 859-578-2300 with further questions.

*Shipping, handling and services fees not included in event credits or refunds. Ticketholders have 30 days to request a refund; those who do not request a refund will automatically receive the 120-percent credit.

Work is expected to begin next week on a $2.8 million asphalt resurfacing project on S.R. 3 in Decatur County. A 9.5 mile stretch between Westport and S.R. 46 will be patched, milled and repaved starting on or after Monday, June 8. The project will be completed under lane closures with flagging.

The contract was awarded to Paul H. Rohe Company and is expected to wrap up by late August. Motorists should slow down, use extra caution and drive distraction-free through all work zones. All work is weather dependent.

Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced several new appointments and reappointments to various state boards and commissions.

Commission on Rehabilitation Services

The governor made three reappointments to the commission, who will serve through June 30, 2023:

• Richard Propes (Indianapolis), program director with FSSA
• David Spradley (Carmel), research nurse at the IU School of Medicine
• Frederick Vaiana (Westfield), attorney and partner with Voyles Vaiana Lukemeyer Baldwin & Webb

The governor also made eight new appointments to the commission:

• Gregory Bedan (Indianapolis), program manager with the Indianapolis Office of Disability Affairs, who will serve through June 30, 2023
• Joel Boehner (South Bend), executive director with IN*SOURCE, who will serve through June 30, 2023
• Shawn Fulton (Indianapolis), education and training coordinator with The Arc of Indiana, who will serve through June 30, 2022
• Melissa Keyes (Carmel), executive director of Indiana Disability Rights, who will serve through June 30, 2021
• PJ McGrew (Avon), executive director of the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet, who will serve through June 30, 2022
• Amber O’Haver (Avon), executive director of the Indiana Statewide Independent Living Council, who will serve through June 30, 2022
• Alfredo Ruiz (Hebron), wealth advisor and principal with Oak Partners Inc., who will serve through June 30, 2023
• Willaine St. Pierre Sandy (Indianapolis), vocational rehabilitation counselor with FSSA, who will serve through June 30, 2022

Commission on the Social Status of Black Males

The governor made one new appointment to the commission, who will serve at the pleasure of the governor:

• Reginald Jones (Indianapolis), behavior and cultural competency specialist with IPS and the Thomas Carr Howe Academy Charter School

Graduate Medical Education Board

The governor made six reappointments to the board, who will serve through Dec. 31, 2021:

• Dr. Paul Haut (Carmel), COO of Riley Hospital for Children
• Dr. Tricia Hern (Zionsville), vice president of improvement and physician leadership development for Community Health Network
• Timothy Putnam (Batesville), president and CEO of Margaret Mary Health
• Dr. Jeffrey Rothenberg (Indianapolis), executive director of medical education and chief medical officer at St. Vincent Hospital
• Dr. Rachel A. Shockley (Indianapolis), program director for Community South Osteopathic Family Medicine
• Beth Wrobel (Valparaiso), CEO of HealthLinc

Indiana Board of Physical Therapy

The governor made three reappointments to the board, who will serve through May 31, 2024:

• Elizabeth Bailey (Plymouth), assistant professor at Ivy Tech Community College
• Megan Certo (Indianapolis), physical therapist at Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana
• Heather Freeman (Indianapolis), PRN with Community Health Network and adjunct professor at the University of Indianapolis

The governor also made two new appointments to the board, who will serve through May 31, 2024:

• Sean Bagbey (Newburgh), COO of the Rehabilitation & Performance Institute
• Therese Eutsler (Linden), physical therapist at Franciscan Health

Indiana-Michigan Boundary Line Commission

The governor made five appointments to the new commission, who will serve through July 1, 2025:

• Aaron Blank (Mishawaka), surveying manager and civil engineer at Lawson-Fisher Associates P.C
• Tony Hendricks (Michigan City), LaPorte County Surveyor
• Rex Pranger (Wolcottville), former LaGrange County Surveyor
• Michael Ruff (Angola), owner of Angola Survey Consulting
• Travis Shetler (Elkhart), professional surveyor with Phend & Brown, Inc.

Indiana State Commission on Aging

The governor made four reappointments to the commission, who will serve through July 1, 2024:

• JoAnn Burke (Tipton), consultant and past director of the Gerontology Program at Saint Mary’s College
• Lauren Mullett (Westville), CEO emerita of Pines Village Retirement Communities, Inc.
• Judith Schoon (Griffith), owner of The LFE Group Investments & Insurance LLC
• Michael Sullivan (Carmel), director of public policy at the Alzheimer’s Association. 

The governor also made two new appointments to the commission, who will serve through July 1, 2024:

• Katie Ehlman (Evansville), professor of Gerontology at the University of Southern Indiana
• Susan Grossbauer (Valparaiso), CEO of The Grossbauer Group

Indiana State Fair Commission

The governor made one new appointment to the commission, who will serve through Sept. 30, 2020:

• Miriam Robeson (Flora), attorney, and CEO with Robeson Farms

Indiana State Trauma Care Committee

The governor made seven new appointments to the committee, who will serve at the pleasure of the governor:

• Dr. Luis Benavente-Chenhalls (Mishawaka), trauma medical director at Elkhart General Hospital
• Dr. John Francis (Lafayette), director of trauma at Franciscan St. Elizabeth Health
• Dr. Mark Lynch (Terre Haute), a surgeon at Union Health
• Douglas Randell (Mooresville), division chief of emergency medical services at Plainfield Fire Territory
• Dr. Christine Toevs (Terre Haute), trauma medical director at Terre Haute Regional Hospital
• Dr. David VanRyn (Elkhart), an emergency physician with Elite Emergency Physicians, Inc.
• Dr. Eric Woo (Saint John), a surgeon with Indiana Surgical Associates

Insurance Producer Education & Continuing Education Advisory Council

The governor made five reappointments to the council, who will serve through March 31, 2023:

• Kevin Bell (Carmel), general agent for Guardian Life
• Sarah Clayton (Indianapolis), vice president with Don Oldham Agencies, Inc.
• James Funk, Jr. (Indianapolis), president of Central Insurance Associates, Inc.
• Jennifer Jones (Lebanon), co-owner of Royal Title Services, Inc.
• Rick Vasil (Carmel), manager of Indiana FAIR and AUTO Plan

The governor also made four new appointments to the council, who will serve through March 31, 2023:

• Jeffrey Goodwin (Indianapolis), vice president of insurance programs with the Indiana Manufacturers Association/IMASERV, Inc.
• Dave Moore (Indianapolis), sales and membership manager with the Independent Insurance Agents of Indiana
• Susan Rider (Westfield), a consultant with Gregory & Appel
• David Welsheimer (Anderson), president of Buckeye Planning Concepts, Inc.

Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council

The governor made one new appointment to the council, who will serve at the pleasure of the governor:

• Douglas Huntsinger (Indianapolis), Indiana’s executive director for drug prevention, treatment and enforcement

Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority Board

The governor made one reappointment to the board, who will serve through April 30, 2024:

• Donald Fesko (Dyer), president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana

The governor also made one new appointment to the board, who will serve through April 30, 2024:

• Patrick Lyp (Valparaiso), general counsel and city attorney with the City of Valparaiso

Patoka Lake Regional Water & Sewer District Board

The governor made one reappointment to the board, who will serve through April 30, 2024:

• John Wade (Otwell), retired

State Board of Funeral & Cemetery Service

The governor made one reappointment to the board, who will serve until May 31, 2024:

• Frank Downing (Marion), director of sales development with Funeral Directors Life Insurance Company

The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness today announced it is extending Lifeguard and Food Manager certifications due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our inspectors and environmental staff members have been busy following up on COVID-19-related complaints, and with social distancing protocols in place, it has not been possible for lifeguards or food mangers to get recertified. Therefore, we are granting extensions,” said Dr. Sarah Moyer, director of the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness and the city’s chief health strategist.

Lifeguard certifications are extended without charge until October 1, 2020. If you are a Lifeguard I, II or a Qualified Pool Attendant and your certification expires between March 1 and July 15, 2020, your certification has been extended and now won’t expire until October 1, 2020. 

This extension only applies to individuals who are up to date with all other requirements such as Lifeguarding, CPR and First Aid. Many of the organizations that provide these certifications are also offering free extensions. Please contact them to check. 

Those who are certified do not need to schedule an appointment with the Department of Public Health and Wellness to be tested for recertification and can work as a lifeguard when pools open later this month. Individuals who have not been certified before can call the Department of Public Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment for the necessary tests to obtain certification. To make an appointment, call 574-6650.

The Department of Public Health and Wellness is also extending all Food Service Manager certifications without charge. Food Service Manager certifications that expire March 1 through June 29, 2020 are now extended to August 31, 2020. In-person classes will resume on June 29. All Louisville restaurants are required to have a certified Food Service Manager on duty during business hours.