U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) announced on Wednesday that Indiana will receive $96,523,889 in funding to assist 65 Hoosier airports, including $30,000 for the Salem Municipal Airport.

According to  John Mead, attorney for the Salem Municipal Airport Board of Aviation Commissioners, the money comes at a very opportune time. 

Mead said the airport’s budget was submitted to the City of Salem for $98,000. 

“The Department of Local Government Finance cut that down to $34,000,” said Mead. “We had to significantly lower the airport’s budget and pare back a lot of operational expenses.”

This injection of funds would bring the airport’s operating fund back to almost 2/3 of its original budget for the year. 

As with most government aid, there are stipulations on how the money can be used. 

Mead said the funds could be used for operating expenses, employee salaries, mowing, insurance coverage, utilities. “Anything in the way of operating the airport,” he added. 

Mead said the airport will need to submit an application to get the money that’s earmarked for its use. 

“It will be a huge help. It will fit nicely into the operating budget to make up for what was cut out,” Mead said. 

The board will decide how to utilize the funds. 

Other airports in the area to receive funds include Paoli, Bedford, French Lick, Jeffersonville, Madison, and North Vernon. 

Here is a complete list of Indiana Airports receiving funds. 

IN Anderson Anderson Municipal-Darlington Field AID $30,000
IN Angola Tri-State Steuben County ANQ $30,000
IN Auburn De Kalb County GWB $69,000
IN Bedford Virgil I Grissom Municipal BFR $30,000
IN Bloomington Monroe County BMG $69,000
IN Columbus Columbus Municipal BAK $69,000
IN Connersville Mettel Field CEV $20,000
IN Crawfordsville Crawfordsville Regional CFJ $30,000
IN Danville Hendricks County-Gordon Graham Field 2R2 $30,000
IN Delphi Delphi Municipal 1I9 $30,000
IN Elkhart Elkhart Municipal EKM $69,000
IN Evansville Evansville Regional EVV $19,766,993
IN Fishers Indianapolis Metropolitan UMP $69,000
IN Fort Wayne Fort Wayne International FWA $14,538,406
IN Fort Wayne Smith Field SMD $30,000
IN Frankfort Frankfort Municipal FKR $30,000
IN French Lick French Lick Municipal FRH $20,000
IN Gary Gary/Chicago International GYY $157,000
IN Goshen Goshen Municipal GSH $69,000
IN Greencastle Putnam County Regional GPC $30,000
IN Greensburg Greensburg Municipal I34 $30,000
IN Greenwood Indy South Greenwood HFY $69,000
IN Griffith Griffith-Merrillville 05C $1,000
IN Huntingburg Huntingburg HNB $69,000
IN Huntington Huntington Municipal HHG $30,000

IN Indianapolis Indianapolis Downtown 8A4 $20,000
IN Indianapolis Indianapolis International IND $52,275,549
IN Jeffersonville Clark Regional JVY $69,000
IN Kendallville Kendallville Municipal C62 $30,000
IN Kentland Kentland Municipal 50I $20,000
IN Knox Starke County OXI $30,000
IN Kokomo Kokomo Municipal OKK $30,000
IN La Porte La Porte Municipal PPO $30,000
IN Lafayette Purdue University LAF $69,000
IN Logansport Logansport/Cass County GGP $30,000
IN Madison Madison Municipal IMS $30,000
IN Marion Marion Municipal MZZ $69,000
IN McCordsville Indianapolis Regional MQJ $69,000
IN Michigan City Michigan City Municipal-Phillips Field MGC $30,000
IN Monticello White County MCX $30,000
IN Muncie Delaware County Regional MIE $69,000
IN New Castle New Castle Henry County Marlatt Field UWL $30,000
IN North Vernon North Vernon OVO $30,000
IN Paoli Paoli Municipal I42 $30,000
IN Peru Peru Municipal I76 $30,000
IN Plymouth Plymouth Municipal C65 $30,000
IN Portland Portland Municipal PLD $30,000
IN Rensselaer Jasper County RZL $30,000
IN Richmond Richmond Municipal RID $30,000
IN Rochester Fulton County RCR $30,000
IN Salem Salem Municipal I83 $30,000
IN Seymour Freeman Municipal SER $30,000
IN Shelbyville Shelbyville Municipal GEZ $30,000
IN South Bend South Bend International SBN $7,284,942
IN Sullivan Sullivan County SIV $30,000
IN Tell City Perry County Municipal TEL $20,000
IN Terre Haute Terre Haute Regional HUF $69,000
IN Valparaiso Porter County Regional VPZ $69,000
IN Wabash Wabash Municipal IWH $30,000
IN Warsaw Warsaw Municipal ASW $69,000
IN Washington Daviess County DCY $30,000
IN Winamac Arens Field RWN $20,000
IN Winchester Randolph County I22 $30,000
IN Zionsville Indianapolis Executive TYQ $157,000

This funding was made available by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was recently passed by Congress and signed by President Trump.

“The coronavirus outbreak has brought the travel industry to a near standstill. Federal assistance will keep our airports and aviation industry running, not just for travel, but for the ability to ship food, supplies, and other essential resources,” said Senator Young. “I am proud to announce that the CARES Act has made $96,523,889 available to help Hoosier airports remain operational and maintain employees as we continue to navigate the coronavirus pandemic.”

According to the Washington County Health Department, State Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box has expanded who can be tested for Covid-19.

Alicia Thompson, RN, noted in an email to WSLM this morning that “any symptomatic household member of a first responder, essential employees, or health care workers can get tested.”

The testing site is located at Ivy Tech, 8204 County Road 311, Sellersburg.

Hours are 9:00am to 6:00pm.

Testing can be completed currently through tomorrow, Friday, April 17th

Thompson also said that there were no charges and no insurance information taken at this particular testing site. 

The Indiana Historical Bureau (IHB), a division of the Indiana State Library (ISL), has initiated a project called Chronicling COVID-19.

IHB is interested in how the work of state employees has changed throughout the past few weeks, how we are adapting to working from home, and more.

This is historical information future Hoosiers will be curious about and IHB feels it should be documented.

If your agency is interested in participating, contact Dr. Michella Marino, IHB deputy director, for more information at mmarino@library.in.gov or call 317-617-5765.

Due to the continued spread of COVID-19 and the important need to slow this spread, this week Purdue University and Purdue Extension announced the decision to extend the existing ban on face-to-face events through June 30, 2020.

As a result, there are 18 county fairs that will be affected by this new order, including ones in Floyd, Scott, Harrison, and Washington Counties. 

According to Megan Broughton, Extension Educator 4-H Youth Development, 4-H officials will meet with county officials on Monday to discuss options. 

She said there are currently three options to be discussed.

1. Reschedule the fair for another date in July.
   1. Broughton said Purdue hasn’t made a decision for July events. They will determine those by May 15. 
2. Hold a Virtual “Fair” 
   1. “This would be for everything,” said Broughton. “It would be for all projects.”
3. Plan for the fair to be in September. 
   1. “They are still planning on having the State Fair in August and they want us to plan around that,” said Broughton. 

“Obviously we want to try for face to face, but we’re going to have to have a backup plan,” said Broughton. 

Broughton said 4-Hers could still show their animals at the state fair. “There are no qualifications. Any 4-Her can show their animals. We would try to figure out something to take other projects to the state fair.”

The Queen and Teen Pageants are events sponsored by the Washington County Fair Board, as well as grandstand events, the carnival, food vendors and commercial exhibits. 

“I’ve invited Cheryl Lee, the fair board president, to the meeting on Monday,” said Broughton. “Ultimately, we want to do this with the fair board. Ultimately, if they decide to do the fair in June, it would be a fair without the 4-H part. And we would have to do that later. It might have to be two separate events or we might be able to work together to do something at a later time.”

Harrison County holds two different fairs – one as a county fair and one labeled as a 4-H fair. 

Washington County’s fair has always been labeled as a “Farmers and Merchants” fair. 

The Fair Board released information last week that they were still planning on having the fair in June but would update that information on May 15. That was released prior to Purdue’s most recent declaration. 

Lee said last week that the local fair is still being planned as scheduled for June 13-20 with a kick-off parade on June 7th. 

This year’s theme is Basketball – The State That Grew The Game, which mirrors the Indiana State Fair theme.

The board met last week to discuss the plans for the 2020 Fair.

“We have made the decision to proceed as planned at this time. We will re-evaluate on May 17th,” according to Lee. 

Currently, the State of Indiana is on a Stay-at-Home order through the first of May. This could be extended depending on the number of active cases and tests being administered for the COVID-19 virus. 

At this time, Gov. Eric Holcomb has asked that no groups gather with more than 10 people.

Lee asked those who are planning to have a food booth or commercial booth, to reserve your spot and plan as normal.

You can email Tim Anderson for details and for a form at trandersona@gmail.com

Anderson said in an email earlier this year that 

“Any monies sent to reserve spots between now and May 17th will be held and returned if we cannot have the fair,” Lee said. “Stay safe and healthy and we hope to see you in June.”

During an outbreak such as COVID-1, the CDC recommends canceling large meetings and events.

The state 4-H staff in collaboration with county 4-H educators are exploring alternative delivery of 4-H programming for the month of June.

As a reminder, all deadlines (animal ID, project drop/add, etc.) that were previously due by May 15 are now due June 1. Fair Entry will also wait to open until after the June 1 deadline.

For the health and well-being of 4-H families, volunteers, and professionals all in-person 4-H events, camps, activities, and experiences that were scheduled to take place before July 1, 2020, will be postponed or converted to non-face-to-face experiences. This includes in-person events and activities led by local 4-H volunteers.

Virtual 4-H programming will be created and offered at no cost to families to replace the following statewide face-to-face 4-H events that were scheduled to take place in June of 2020:

• 4-H Academy @ Purdue
• Indiana 4-H Round-Up
• State 4-H Junior Leader Conference
• State 4-H Band and State 4-H Chorus

4-H Youth Development Extension educators and state specialists will continue their incredible efforts to create and adapt learning opportunities to meet 4-H families where they are and fit the social distancing guidelines that we must abide by.

Visit purdue.ag/4hhomeactivities for a collection of at-home activities for kids created by Purdue Extension and 4-H programs across the nation.

Here are a few highlights:

• World Changers Online Hackathon April 20-22
• Animal Science Web Series every Tuesday since March 31st (recordings available)
• Live, Virtual Cake Decorating Workshop April 16 at 7:00 p.m. EDT

Likewise, if your county fair falls within the dates affected by this decision your local Purdue Extension office will be in touch with you regarding alternate plans for your 4-H fair or the 4-H events at your county’s fair.

Please know county Extension educators are working in partnership with local fair boards and the state 4-H office to provide alternate opportunities for youth to showcase and celebrate their 4-H achievements.

Please exercise patience and give your local Extension office the time they need to communicate the plans to you.

Officials did not take this decision lightly. The health and well-being of 4-H’ers, families, volunteers, employees, and communities is their top priority.

4-H Youth Development will continue to provide opportunities for youth to learn, grow, develop skills, and showcase and celebrate their achievements.

Officials will try new things and relate to each other in innovative ways.

They will harness the resilience and determination 4-H has taught us, and they stand in awe of the individuals and communities 4-H has built.

The court case that 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) was delivered into the hands of Circuit Court Judge Larry Medlock this afternoon shortly after 2p after both parties rested their cases in this year’s first bench trial.

Mayor Justin Green’s attorney, Larry Wilder, rested his case by asking for a renewal of a motion to dismiss the case based upon the evidence that had been introduced during Ackerman’s case which alleged that Green was not a resident of the City of Salem at the time of the November 2019 General Election, therefore should not have been qualified to run for the office.  

The decision on the motion to dismiss could come as early as tomorrow (Thursday, April 15) at 4p. 

If that ruling isn’t issued, then a general ruling on the case could come at or before 4p on Thursday, April 30. Both parties have until then to submit their findings of fact to the court. 

The first witness on Tuesday was Indiana State Police Detective Tim Denby who testified that there was a special prosecutor appointed to investigate allegations involving Mayor Green’s residency. 

Wilder asked Ackerman at one point during the trial if he knew Jay Davisson, son of Indiana District 73 Representative Steve Davisson, had requested the investigation. 

Ackerman said he did not. 

Wilder said the State Police officer can’t testify about an ongoing investigation. 

Special Prosecutor Michael Steiner from Martin County (former elected prosecutor)  was assigned to the investigation by Judge Medlock in September 2019, at the request of Washington County Prosecutor Dustin Houchin. 

“We just discovered through a conference call on April 9 at a pretrial conference that this [Steiner] has cancer and he has withdrawn from all his special prosecutor case,” said Wilder. 

Medlock is expected to appoint a new special prosecutor from Jackson County. 

Leatherbury called eleven additional witnesses on Tuesday and followed up with four witnesses on Wednesday.

Those witnesses included, in order of appearance, Ron Haendiges, Tara Hunt, Stephanie Rockey, Debbie Schrieber, Scott Campbell, Greg Ball, Randall Bills, Necole Caldwell, Todd Smith and Sabrina Burdine.

Christie Grider, Green’s girlfriend, started out as a witness by phone call on Wednesday morning. 

She was supposed to have appeared on Tuesday afternoon but wasn’t able to come to court because she had been tested for Covid-19 earlier in the day. 

Grider has been living at Green’s property located at 2900 North Old State Road 56 and is quarantined there until her test results come back next week, according to information presented during this morning’s examination.

In today’s testimony, Leatherbury recalled Washington County Assessor Greg Ball, and questioned Green and Ackerman. 

Wilder only called Green to testify.

After the two-day trial ended, Medlock addressed the few people in the courtroom – the bailif, the court reporter along with Ackerman, Leatherbury, Green,  Wilder and his aid.

“One thing I wish to say,” said Medlock from the bench. “My guess is there’s probably a lot of folks who don’t believe this is an essential or an emergency. Mind you that this matter is extremely important to the citizens of the City of Salem and to Washington County. Our forefathers drafted a constitution and from which all laws follow.

“And our form of government has withstood the test of time for over 200 years. I believe in the orderly disposition of official duties and governance of the people is a high priority. I believe that the citizens of the City of Salem need to know who their mayor is and get this matter settled as quickly as possible. Therefore I made the determination that this was important enough and to have this case tried. If the citizens are upset, I accept that responsibility.”

During the state-wide Stay-At-Home order, Gov. Eric J. Holcomb asks that only essential businesses remain open. 

The Washington County Justice Center was closed to the public and all non-essential court cases were required to be postponed or be handled by video conferencing. 

During this two-day bench trial, local media were sequestered into a separate room with audio piped in from the courtroom. 

The witness stand was disinfected before and after each person sat there. 

“I was thoroughly impressed at the court staff who handled every part of what went on for the past two days in light of the Covid-19 virus,” said Wilder. “The conscientious way the judge handled every movement in the courtroom. I’ve been in court during this situation and nobody has handled it like this. [Court staff was] taking temperatures as we came in. My wife came up with me the week before to the pre-trial conference. She sat out in the car and she told me the number of times a gentleman came out and disinfected the hand rails outside the door. I was impressed with how concientious about how everyone was working to keep everyone safe.”

Witnesses were kept outside the courtroom until it was their turn to testify. 

“It went as well as we expected,” said Leatherbury. “It was a battle. Mr. Wilder is a very astute and very smart attorney. I only have good things to say about him.”

“The judge will make a decision tomorrow whether or not to act on Larry’s motion,” said Leatherbury. 

Wilder said that his motion is an argument that one makes when the other side has finished putting on their evidence. 

“The argument is that they presented no evidence that would allow the court to find in their favor – even if all the evidence that they presented was true and accurate and correct,” said Wilder. “It’s basically an argument that – if this were a football game – and they had their opportunity to take the ball and run with it…they didn’t get to the goal line and they would never get to the goal line because their turn is over.”

Wilder said his position was that there was absolutely nothing presented during Mr. Ackerman’s case that gives the court the ability to rule in favor of Mr. Ackerman. 

Washington County Clerk Stephanie Rockey said Green was certified to run in the November election when he beat Ackerman by 572 votes. 

This issue was first brought up by Washington County Democratic Party Chairperson Briscoe at a press conference on Sept. 18, 2019 alleging Green, the Republican Candidate for Mayor didn’t live in the Salem City Limits, despite him owning a home on Tucker Street in Salem. 

“I think the big question is, does he really live there. I don’t buy it. I don’t think he lives there,” Briscoe said during a press conference in which only WSLM attended. 

The building in question is located at 509 East Tucker street. 

According to the Indiana State Department of Health, there were only 10 new cases of Covid-19 reported in nine Kentuckiana counties in the 24 hours between Sunday and Monday. 

Washington, Jackson, Scott, Orange, Crawford and Harrison Counties all reported no additional cases. 

Lawrence County reported two new cases for a total of 73. 

Clark County cases increased by 5 to 132 and Floyd County saw an increase by three to 111. 

Statewide, there were 313 new cases and 37 new deaths. There were additional 1,502 tests administered between Sunday and Monday. 

In total, there have been around Indiana:

• 8,527 total cases
• 387 total deaths
• 46,017 total tests

Also, according to ISDH, there is only 24.7 percent of the ICU beds across the state being used for Covid-19 cases. Twenty-nine percent of ICU beds are being used for non-Covid-19 cases. 

There is 14.9 percent of the ventilators available in Indiana hospitals being used at this time. Non-Covid-19 cases are using 10.6 percent of the ventilators in Indiana.