Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a fatal off-road vehicle (ORV) accident that claimed the life of the operator.

The accident occurred today at approximately 12:47 p.m. near the 2200 block of State Road 1.

Responding officers have determined that a side-by-side off-road vehicle (ORV) being operated by Michael Slentz, 68, of Butler was travelling southbound, adjacent to the roadway on the west side of State Road 1. Slentz then attempted to cross the roadway to the east and crossed into the path of a 1997 Pontiac Grand Am operated by a juvenile female.  The female was unable to avoid the collision and struck the ORV on the right side, ejecting Slentz from the ORV.

Slentz suffered severe head injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.  The juvenile female was not injured.

No seatbelts were utilized in the ORV and no helmet or protective riding gear were being worn by Slentz.

Indiana Conservation Officers are assisting the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department and Indiana State Police with the investigation.

The Butler Police Department, Butler Fire Department, Parkview DeKalb EMS, and DeKalb County Coroner’s office also assisted at the scene.

Hoosiers will soon be able to visit loved ones living in long-term care facilities including those in Washington County.

Holly Ann Lee Thompson, administrator of Salem Crossing which is owned by American Senior Communities, said this morning on WSLMs Coffee Club that their company hadn’t released guidance yet for this.  

“I don’t like the bell curve going up. I would rather be safe than sorry,” she said. “We’re still taking care of the most vulnerable population. Nursing facilities will probably be one of the last ones to open up.  We are taking some baby steps.  Still waiting on policies and guidance. We have to have masks, social distancing…a lot of steps in allowing that to happen.”

Both facilities in Washington County – Salem Crossing and Meadow View Healthcare – have been Covid-19 free. 

The state plans to issue guidance for outdoor visitation, according to Family and Social Services Administration Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dan Rusyniak.

“While the congregate nature of a nursing home can amplify the spread of COVID-19, recent evidence in the scientific literature has shown that transmission risks are much lower outdoors,” Rusyniak said during state officials’ briefing Wednesday. “We believe that the risk of COVID transmission in long-term care facilities and the need for family, partners, close friends, and those interactions can be balanced.”

Rusyniak said that the guidelines will take into account the COVID-19 rates in the particular facility, as well as the surrounding community, and visitors will have to be screened for symptoms.

The announcement came just days after new federal statistics revealed that more Indiana nursing home patients have died from COVID-19 than previously thought. Rusyniak said the discrepancy could be due to the fact that facilities had more time to gather information to send to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. “We’re going to continue to look into the differences in our two systems, and we’re going to work to transition away from our online reporting form and to using the same data the same way as CMS, to better align our numbers with theirs,” he said.

At the same time, Rusyniak said there’s been a steady decline in the number of new cases and deaths in long-term care facilities. Now, the state plans to test all nursing home staff during the month of June. “This point prevalence survey will tell us how many staff in these facilities test positive for COVID-19 but have no symptoms, and the data we collect from this and the Fairbanks study together will better inform us on who in a nursing home needs to be tested and then in the future, how frequently that needs to occur,” Rusyniak explained.

No plans are in place yet to test every long-term care facility resident, but Rusyniak said they’ll continue to be tested when outbreaks occur.

“Weather is a factor in it. Lots of components. There are a lot of ateps involved in letting that happen. I like that it’s another step to allow family and their loved ones to be together again,” said Thompson. “We haven’t worked out the policy. Will have to have designated times and staff available. And weather will play a factor. If it’s too hot or too cold or warnings….we would t be able to have a visit. This population is near and dear.”

‘Rapid Recovery for a Better Future’ focuses on meeting education, workforce and individual needs

Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced a new initiative to help Hoosiers, communities and businesses get back to work and connected to the resources that can help people move forward during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Indiana’s Governor’s Workforce Cabinet (GWC) launched “Rapid Recovery for a Better Future,” which is centered on meeting individual needs by providing comprehensive support for Hoosiers to secure a job, assess and grow their skills, and get the support they need to get back on their feet.

“Rapid Recovery for a Better Future” combines the leadership of the GWC, Indiana employers, education and training providers, policymakers, and state and local partners with the goal of ensuring Indiana’s recovery from COVID-19 and providing a pathway to a better future for every Hoosier.

“People are our state’s most valuable resource and they are what define Indiana as a great place to live, work and grow. It is critical that our state is not only providing these services but actively helping people get connected so they take that next step to a better future,” Gov. Holcomb said.

The Rapid Recovery initiative focuses on helping Hoosiers:

• Learn about options and connect to the relevant, simple and real-time job, career, skill, and educational resources and funding for personal advancement. An online hub, YourNextStepIn.org, provides connection and one-on-one supports for Hoosiers at the touch of their fingertips. A comprehensive outreach network will share the state’s resources with Hoosiers from their own trusted sources: community leaders, pastors or other faith leaders and employers. For those thinking through their education and training options, INvestEd will provide free, one-on-one financial aid guidance.
• Connect to opportunities with the assistance of career coaches and navigators to empower Hoosiers to assess and develop their skills and gain a better understanding of job needs and opportunities.
• Take the next step and advance their careers with convenient access to accelerated programs and credentials that value prior learning and experiences, such as the Workforce Ready Grant and Ivy Tech’s Rapid Recovery program—which will provide free courses and training for 10,000 Hoosiers.
• In addition, the Rapid Recovery initiative is providing enhanced, consolidated and simplified resources for employers with the partnership of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.

Federal funding through the CARES Act injects $50 million into the efforts, to scale up short-term education and training opportunities through the Workforce Ready Grant and the Employer Training Grant, as well as expanded career coaching and navigation for those who need help figuring out their next steps.

CARES Act funding enables Indiana to:

• Grow short-term education and training by enhancing the Workforce Ready Grant to provide support to at least 10,000 more Hoosiers in the following ways:

o   Increasing the funding cap from $5,500 to $10,000 for eligible programs

o   Allowing Hoosiers with two- and four-year degrees who have been impacted by COVID-19 to qualify for the grant, and adding new programs, such as the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

o   Support access to the 180 Skills library of online, non-credit courses for up to 100,000 Hoosiers

• Expand the Employer Training Grant to serve 25,000 more Hoosiers, specifically supporting women-, minority- and veteran-owned businesses; and doubling the number of reimbursable funds to employers
• Provide outreach and promotion to create a single online network to direct Hoosiers to career coaches; and ensure Hoosiers who are most impacted by COVID-19 – especially underrepresented populations and rural communities – are aware of the available opportunities

“The goal of Rapid Recovery for a Better Future is to streamline access to resources, help Hoosiers identify and pursue a path forward, and reach people through trusted and local outreach networks. Utilizing federal funding through the CARES Act will allow us to expand these efforts and reach even more Hoosiers,” said Teresa Lubbers, chair of the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet and Indiana’s Commissioner for Higher Education.

“Taking the next step toward a better future is a manageable way for people to move toward economic and workforce recovery, whether that is reskilling for a different job, finishing a credential or finding a new career.”

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has issued an Air Quality Action Day and is forecasting high ozone levels for Sunday, June 7, 2020, in the following areas: 

• Southeast Indiana – Clark, Floyd, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson, Scott and Washington
• Southwest Indiana – Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh and Warrick 

IDEM encourages everyone to help reduce ozone by making simple changes to their daily habits. You can:

• Walk, bike, carpool or use public transportation
• Avoid using the drive-through and combine errands into one trip
• Avoid refueling your vehicle or using gasoline-powered lawn equipment until after 7 p.m.
• Turn off your engine when idling for more than 30 seconds
• Conserve energy by turning off lights or setting the air conditioner to 75 degrees or above 

Anyone sensitive to changes in air quality may be affected when ozone levels are high. Children, the elderly and anyone with heart or lung conditions should reduce or avoid exertion and heavy work outdoors. 

IDEM examines weather patterns and current ozone readings to make daily air quality forecasts. To learn more about ozone or sign up for air quality forecasts, visit www.SmogWatch.IN.gov.

Ground-level ozone is formed when sunlight and hot weather bake vehicle exhaust, factory emissions and gasoline vapors. Ozone in the upper atmosphere blocks ultraviolet radiation, but ozone near the ground is a lung irritant that can cause coughing and breathing difficulties. 

Recovery of the body of Anthony Cohn, 37, a swimmer who went missing at Bass Lake on June 2, has been made. 

At approximately 6 a.m. today, members of the Bass Lake Fire Department located Cohn’s body while searching near the area where he was last seen. 

Indiana Conservation Officers responded to the scene and were assisted by the Starke County Sheriff’s Department and the Starke County Coroner’s Office. 

Cohn went under the water at Bass Lake after attempting to reach his boat that had pulled free from a sandbar. His family has been notified.

Cohn was standing on a sandbar earlier this week when the wind released the anchor of the boat he was with from the sand.

The boat began to rapidly float away, and Cohn swam after it.

He entered deeper water and went under the surface. He did not return to the surface, and 911 was called.

Conservation Officers were notified at approximately 2:45 p.m. yesterday.

Conservation officers and other emergency personnel immediately responded to the area and began a search.

Conservation Officers conducted searches with sonar equipment and dive personnel from multiple agencies until sunset last night. 

Indiana Conservation Officers were assisted by the Starke County Sheriff’s Office, Bass Lake Fire Department, Koontz Lake Fire Department, Starke County EMS, Starke County Dispatch Center and Indiana Conservation Officers Central Dispatch Center.

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.