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.

MODIFIED STATE FAIR 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW SCHEDULED IN AUGUST AT THE STATE FAIRGROUNDS

Today the Indiana State Fair Commission and the Indiana State Fair Board announced a modified State Fair 4-H Livestock Show with additional activities that will be held on the State Fairgrounds in August.

This year’s traditional Indiana State Fair will not take place.

Ultimately, the difficult decision was driven by the impact of COVID-19.

“Unfortunately, key elements including vendors and partners of the Fair began falling off and so we pivoted and found a way to still serve our communities,” said Brad Chambers, Indiana State Fair Commission Chairman.

“Safety is our number one priority. We’ve spent months working through options that would allow us to host the Fair,’ said Cindy Hoye, Executive Director of the Indiana State Fair Commission. “Agriculture and youth are the foundation of our mission and the heartbeat of the Indiana State Fair, so we are determined and proud to honor our 4-H members with a version of that State Fair experience that allows Indiana’s youth to be recognized for their dedication and hard work.”

The Indiana State Fair is an annual celebration of all things Indiana, showcasing youth and agriculture along with great food, animals, entertainment, and exhibits. It is a complex event that requires years of planning by the staff, partners and vendors. In 2019, nearly 879,000 people attended the Indiana State Fair.

Hoye said “We are grateful for the support of our State Fair Family; each one of you who makes the iconic event possible every summer. To our beloved fans, staff, sponsors, exhibitors, 4-H & FFA members, vendors, volunteers and entertainers – we look forward to being back at full strength in August 2021.”

This is not the first time the Indiana State Fair was modified or did not take place. During the Civil War and WWII the Fairgrounds was needed to support the war effort.

For more information on the State Fair 4-H Livestock Show, 4-H projects, and an updated FAQ resource, visit IndianaStateFair.com.

About 90 people from Salem and surrounding areas gathered at the Washington County Fairgrounds Wednesday afternoon at 5:30p for about an hour to sing, pray, read poetry and express their feelings in the wake of recent police violence and the rioting that has threatened businesses and safety around the country.

Mandi Jay, Brandon Catalanotto, and Kaylee Morris decided they needed to do something to remember and honor the lives of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, who were killed by police. Ahmaud Arbery was a black man jogging in Georgia recently and was killed by two white men. 

They wanted to host a memorial service to allow people in Salem to express themselves after these deaths. 

“We were going to have an event downtown but then people said they were afraid of a riot or damage to buildings,” said Jay. “So we moved it to the fairgrounds.”

Morris appeared on the WSLM morning show, “Coffee Club” earlier in the day. 

Below is the LIVE video of the event.