The COVID-19 outbreak has Hoosiers experiencing unprecedented difficulties, including our hard workers and small-business community. Unemployment insurance is a critical resource to help those impacted by this public health crisis. A new process for Hoosiers who are self-employed, independent contractors and “gig” workers is now in place for them to apply and receive crucial unemployment benefits.

Under the federal CARES Act, Hoosiers who do not typically qualify for unemployment benefits may now be eligible through Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, or PUA, which is a temporary federal unemployment insurance program. It applies to individuals who are self-employed, independent contractors, including “gig” economy workers, people seeking part-time employment and people who lack sufficient work history but would be able to work if not for the public health crisis.

To be eligible for this program, Hoosiers must first file for traditional unemployment insurance and be denied. If a claimant has already done this step, they will have a “To Do” on their application, found on the claimant’s homepage. Once this step is completed and the PUA application is approved, workers can expect to see payments within approximately 21 days.

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development is targeting Friday, May 8, to begin administrating these payments. The benefits will be calculated retroactively to March 29 for every week of unemployment an applicant experienced, and include an additional $600 weekly benefit from the federal stimulus.

These benefits play a crucial role in helping families during this pandemic and return to work stronger than ever. Unemployed Hoosiers who have not started the unemployment insurance application process can visit unemployment.in.gov to apply or learn more about these benefits.

To learn more about how Indiana plans to reopen its economy, please visit backontrack.in.gov.

Friday morning at approximately 10:10 a.m., Indiana State Police and Pike County Sheriff’s Office responded to a crash on SR 64 west of Meridian Road that claimed the life of a Winslow man.

Preliminary investigation revealed Anthony Woolsey, 33, of Winslow, was driving his 1996 Ford pickup truck westbound on SR 64 approximately ½ mile west of Meridian Road when for unknown reasons drove left of center and into the path of a 2018 Freightliner truck that was traveling east.

Woolsey was pronounced dead at the scene by the Pike County Coroner’s Office and had to be extricated from his vehicle by the Patoka Township Volunteer Fire Department.

The driver of the Freightliner truck, James Coffey, 47, and his passenger, Jason Gordon, 46, both from Louisville, KY, were taken to Jasper Memorial Hospital where they were treated for non-life threatening injuries. SR 64 was closed for approximately four hours while the crash was investigated.

This is an on-going investigation and toxicology results are pending.

Investigating Officer: Senior Trooper John Davis

Assisting Officers: Sergeant Kylen Compton, Trooper CJ Boeckman and Trooper Jonathan Lukeman

Assisting Agencies: Pike County Sheriff’s Office, Gibson County Sheriff’s Office, Oakland City Police, Patoka Twp. Volunteer Fire Department and Pike County Coroner’s Office

Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) Commissioner Peter L. Lacy announced today a portion of the state’s 131 branches will re-open with an appointment only service format beginning Monday, May 4. Customers will be able to schedule an appointment for transactions that are not available online. BMV Connect kiosks located at branches opening by appointment only will also be available.

The BMV has modified its operations to ensure the safety of its employees and customers. To get more information on available transactions and to schedule a branch appointment, customers can go to the BMV website, https://www.in.gov/bmv/2405.htm. Customers with verified appointments will be required to check-in upon arrival.

Branch appointments will be limited to the following transactions:

• Knowledge Testing
• Commercial Driver License
• New Driver License/Learner Permit or Identification Card*
• Amend a Current Driver License/Learner Permit or Identification Card
• Replacement Driver License/Learner Permit or Identification Card
• Title Transfer
• Update to an Existing Title
• New Registration
• Disability Placard

*Driving skills exams are not available from the BMV at this time.

Part of Executive Order 20-05 waived Administrative Penalty Fees (late fees). Effectively, this extends expiration dates of registrations, driver’s licenses, and identification cards without changing the expiration date printed on documents in an individual’s possession and temporarily waives late fees during a future renewal. This same executive order also extends the deadline required to process a title transfer.

The Indiana BMV continues to encourage Hoosiers to complete transactions online, visit a BMV Connect kiosk, by calling the contact center, or through USPS whenever possible. You can read a full list of modifications, closures, and available services on this page: https://www.in.gov/bmv/4363.htm

Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced the Back On Track Indiana plan to safely open the economy and remain vigilant about protecting Hoosiers’ health and wellbeing.

“Across Indiana, we have witnessed a spirit of cooperation and caring for others that have touched my heart. May this spirit of appreciation for one another carry on long after the scourge of COVID-19 is behind us,” Gov. Holcomb said. “Hoosiers have done this together and together we will come out a stronger Indiana.”

Gov. Holcomb has used data to drive decisions since the state’s first case of the novel coronavirus in early March and he will continue to do so as the state contemplates a sector-by-sector reset. The state will move to reopen while continuing to monitor and respond to these four guiding principles:

• The number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients statewide has decreased for 14 days
• The state retains its surge capacity for critical care beds and ventilators
• The state retains its ability to test all Hoosiers who are COVID-19 symptomatic as well as health care workers, first responders, and frontline employees
• Health officials have systems in place to contact all individuals who test positive for COVID-19 and expand contact tracing

As we lift restrictions and more people return to work, visit a store or restaurant, and participate in more activities, the number of COVID-19 cases will increase. If we cannot meet these principles, all or portions of the state may need to pause on moving forward or we may return to an earlier phase of the governor’s stay-at-home order.

Indiana Back On Track has five stages.

Beginning Monday, May 4, nearly all of Indiana will move to stage 2. For three counties – Cass, Lake and Marion counties – stage 2 will begin at a later date.

Phase 2 may begin on Monday, May 11 for Lake and Marion counties.

Phase 2 may begin on Monday, May 18 for Cass County. Local governments may impose more restrictive guidelines.

In Stage 2 to protect the most vulnerable to COVID-19, Hoosiers 65 and over and those with high-risk health conditions – who are the most vulnerable to the coronavirus – should remain at home.

Essential travel restrictions will be lifted, and social gatherings of up to 25 people will be permitted following the CDC’s social distancing guidelines.

The remaining manufacturers, industrial and other infrastructure operations that had not been considered essential may open. Hoosiers who can work from home are encouraged to continue to do so.

Retail and commercial businesses may open at 50% capacity. Examples include apparel, furniture, jewelry, and liquor stores that have been operating as curbside or delivery only. Shopping malls can open at 50% capacity with indoor common areas restricted to 25% capacity.

Restaurants and bars that serve food may open starting May 11 at 50% capacity, but bar seating will remain closed. Personal services such as hair salons, barbershops, nail salons, spas, and tattoo parlors also may open on May 11 by appointment only and must follow social distancing guidelines.

Starting May 8th, for all of the state’s counties, indoor worship services may also convene, following specific social distancing guidelines – while those 65 and older and those at elevated risk will be asked to stay home.

If health indicators remain positive, the state will move to stage 3.

To learn more about the different stages and the associated dates to get a better understanding of where we’re going as a state, click here to see the full plan: BackOnTrack.in.gov

Stage 3 would begin May 24th and would include the opening of:

Retail stores and malls may move to 75% of capacity while maintaining social distancing.

Mall common areas, such as food courts and sitting areas, are limited to 50% capacity.

Gyms and fitness centers may open with restrictions. Class sizes and equipment must be spaced to accommodate social distancing. Limited class sizes. Equipment must be cleaned after each use, and employees are required to wear face coverings.

Playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts, and similar facilities may open with social distancing guidelines in place.

Community pools may open according to CDC guidance.

Campgrounds may open with social distancing limitations and sanitation precautions.

Movie theaters may open at 50% capacity; some theater companies have identified specific hygiene and social distancing guidelines.

The CDC will provide guidance about day camps and overnight camps.

Stage 4 begins June 14 and plans include opening the following:

State government building access restrictions will be lifted.

Professional office building employees may resume work at full capacity.

Retail stores and malls open at full capacity with social distancing guidelines in place.

The dining room service may open at 75% capacity. 

Bar seating in restaurants may open at 50% capacity. 

Bars and nightclubs may open at 50% capacity adhering to social distancing guidelines. 

Cultural, entertainment, and tourism businesses may open at 50% capacity. This includes museums, zoos, bowling alleys, aquariums, and like facilities. 

Recreational sports leagues and tournaments may resume. 

The CDC will provide guidance about day camps and overnight camps. 

Large venues may open with adherence to social gatherings guidelines. 

Amusement parks, water parks, and like facilities may open at 50% capacity; reservations will be required to limit the
a number of customers at any one time. 

Large events, such as conventions, sports events, fairs, festivals, and parades would remain canceled at this time. 

Stage 5 would begin on July 4 with the following reopening:

Retail stores and malls may operate at full capacity.

Restaurants, bars, and nightclubs may operate
at full capacity.

Personal services may open at full capacity. 

Restrictions are lifted at gyms and fitness facilities. 

Conventions, sports events, fairs, festivals, the state fair, and like events may resume. 

Restrictions are lifted at amusement parks, water parks, and like facilities.

Social distancing guidelines should be maintained. 

The CDC will provide guidance about day camps and overnight camps. 

The Governor will sign executive orders implementing the plan.

The Critical Industries Hotline continues to be available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to respond to business and industry questions about whether a business is considered essential. The center may be reached by calling 877-820-0890 or by emailing covidresponse@iedc.in.gov

On Sunday, May 3, all Indiana residents, regardless of age, may fish without a license in any of the state’s public waters.

Fishing is a great way to relax, and you might even catch your dinner. DNR officials are encouraging you to use this opportunity to introduce your significant other or child to a new hobby.

Other free fishing days scheduled this year are:

• June 6
• June 7
• Sept. 26

All other fishing rules and regulations still apply. 

Derby may be delayed, but the show will go on for the 9th annual event – but thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, the event will be shortened to 90-minutes and online. 

At least for now. The real event has been moved to Friday, Sept. 4 – the new Derby Eve (for this year) at the Galt House. 

The Unbridled Eve Charitable Foundation, Inc. invites the world to join celebs, singers and friends for the inaugural “Unbridled QuarantEve Party On! Line,” Friday, May 1, at 9 p.m. on the Unbridled Eve Facebook page.

The stream is open to the public.

The attire is, well, relaxed. This is a black-tie optional, gown optional, shoes optional, make up optional, and pants optional affair. We welcome everyone to dance like nobody’s watching – because they’re not!

Television personality Bob Guiney will emcee the 90-minute show.

Scheduled appearances by Hall of Fame NFL quarterback Warren Moon, music artists Mark McGrath, JD Shelburne, Linkin’ Bridge, and The Crashers, Grammy winner Skip Martin and more.

Expect other surprise pop-ins from long-time celebrity Unbridled Eve ambassadors as well. DJ Joe Dubb will spin some familiar dance tunes together with live performances from past Unbridled musical acts.

Champion Sponsor Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits will also share unique drink recipes made only for the Unbridled Eve Gala.

“Celebrating Derby and Louisville is in our DNA, so we were going to party this week, one way or another,” said Unbridled Eve Gala co-founders Tonya York and Tammy York Day. “This horrible pandemic has taken so much from every citizen in some way. I hope that, for at least one night, we can bring some joy and hope during this difficult time.”

This Friday would have marked Unbridled’s ninth gala.

However, plans changed when the 146^th Kentucky Derby was pushed back to September due to COVID-19 health concerns. The Unbridled Charitable Foundation, Inc. moved its event to the new Derby Eve, September 4, 2020. The top shelf night of glitz and glamour will take place at the Galt House Hotel.

In keeping with the Unbridled spirit, the QuarantEve Party On! Line will give attendees the chance to give back.

Just click on the link you will find on the Unbridled website unbridledeve.com/party-online or go to our Facebook live page @unbridledeve. 

Each year, the Unbridled Charitable Foundation, Inc. supports Blessings in a Backpack, an organization that fights childhood hunger by providing needy elementary school students a backpack of food on the weekends as well as various other non-profits.

Beneficiaries will also include the Apron, Inc. and Operation Homefront.

New Jersey-based Catalent Inc. has inked a deal with a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson for large scale manufacturing of J&J’s lead vaccine candidate for COVID-19. The collaboration commits to a joint investment for production at the Catalent Biologics facility in Bloomington.

Johnson & Johnson says its leading candidate for the COVID-19 virus is still in development and hopes to start conducting clinical trials in September.

Until then, the company needs to make more of it and has partnered with Catalant, Inc. to do that. Catalant plans to add 300 jobs at its Bloomington facility in order to help start making the vaccine.

“Catalent is proud to collaborate with Johnson & Johnson in its efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic and save lives,” John Chiminski, chief executive officer of Catalent, said in a news release. “Both organizations have committed to ambitious goals and are executing innovative strategies to meet the forecasted demand on an unprecedented timeline. We value the trust that Johnson & Johnson has placed in us regarding this important, time-sensitive program and will apply our extensive experience in quickly scaling up manufacturing operations for late-stage and commercial products.”

Catalent says the scale-up in production at its 875,000-square-foot facility in Bloomington will include the use of two new high-speed machines.

Catalent Inc. focuses on sterile drug product development and manufacturing, as well as primary and secondary packaging.

Today both sides in the Ackerman vs. Green civil suit filed their findings of fact and conclusions in Washington Circuit Court and Judge Larry Medlock now has 30 days to render a decision. 

When the case rested on April 15, Judge Medlock gave both sides until April 30 to submit their final pleadings. 

Medlock said after the parties submitted their paperwork today, he has up to 30 days to render a decision. 

Medlock said the decision will be in written form and he will not call the parties back to court. 

The court case was filed on November 18 in Washington Circuit Court by William “Bill” Ackerman (who was defeated in his Democratic bid for Mayor in November 2019) against Justin Green, who won the election and has been serving as the City of Salem Mayor since being sworn in during a ceremony in late 2019.

The suit alleges that Green was not eligible to run for office because of an issue with his residency. 

Green’s attorney Larry Wilder made a motion twice during the trial asking Medlock to dismiss the case because there wasn’t any credible evidence submitted by Ackerman or his attorney Doug Leatherbury. 

Medlock ruled against that motion on April 17. 

Today after Leatherbury and Ackerman’s paperwork was turned in, Green’s attorney filed two motions in court – to strike the petitioner’s statement of the law and to strike the petitioner’s incorrect statement of law.