Governor Eric J. Holcomb today signed an executive order requiring all K-12 schools in Indiana to provide instruction via remote learning for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year and outlines options for districts to continue education during the fight against COVID-19.

WSLM will be reporting on how this affects Washington County schools once those plans are finalized sometime on Friday. 

Click here for a link to the executive order: https://www.in.gov/gov/2384.htm

“Students are the future of our state and teachers are the heart of our schools,” Gov. Holcomb said. “While COVID-19 is impacting every classroom, our teachers, administrators, school board members and school staff are going to extraordinary levels to deliver quality learning to students all across our state, even while school buildings are closed. We’ll continue to do everything we can to empower educators and parents, while protecting students’ health.”

To complete the school year, all schools previously received a 20-day waiver to reduce the number of required in-person or remote instruction days to 160. Schools must continue to provide instruction via remote learning until they complete either:

• 160 instructional days or
• At least 20 additional days of remote learning between the date of the executive order (today) and the end of the school year. If a school completes 20 days and falls short of the required 160 instructional days, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) can waive the difference.

All K-12 schools will need to submit a plan for review and approval by IDOE by April 17. The plan can include eLearning, extended learning, project-based or portfolio learning, competency-based learning, partnerships with higher education for increased student supports, and other similar methods.

The governor, in conjunction with Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Jennifer McCormick, also directed the Indiana State Board of Education (SBOE) to provide flexibility for school corporations for students who are to graduate in 2020. A school corporation may issue an Indiana diploma to a student who has done all of the following:

• Has met all of the course and credit requirements for the specific diploma designation based on a combination of high school credits earned prior to and the course in which a student was enrolled as of March 19, when the governor issued the statewide school closure.
• Meets any virtual or remote learning participation requirements established by the governing body of the local school corporation in response to the statewide school closure order issued by the governor.
• Meets any additional graduation requirements established by the governing body of the local school corporation prior to the school closure order issued by the governor.

The executive order also extends teacher licenses expiring between March 1, 2020 and Aug. 31, 2020 until Sept. 1, 2020.

Other deadlines and requirements for the current school year will be reviewed by Dr. McCormick, the executive director of SBOE, and relevant state agencies. They will submit recommendations to the Governor by April 7 for review and further action.

According to the Indiana State Health Department, Washington County now has 12 confirmed cases of Covid-19 virus – up three from yesterday’s count. 

There are still no deaths being reported by ISHD for Washington County.

This averages one confirmed case per day for the 12 days since the first case was reported by the Washington County Health Department on March 22. 

That first case was a patient confirmed to be at Schneck Memorial Hospital in Seymour that tested positive for Covid-19 on Sunday, March 22. 

That patient has a Scottsburg, IN address but lives in Washington County. 

The WCHD has said it would release no further information on any Covid-19 patients in the county due to possible violations of patient’s rights. 

Washington County’s second confirmed case was on March 23, followed by a third case on March 25. 

Cases four and five came the following day, and case number 6 on March 30. 

Three new cases were confirmed in yesterday’s state health update. 

WSLM will continue to update these numbers from the state each day. 

Around the WSLM Listening Area, here’s a look at how other counties are doing:

• Lawrence County – 12 cases (1 new confirmed case)
• Jackson County – 19 cases (9 new confirmed cases)
• Scott County – 5 cases (4 new confirmed cases)
• Clark County – 49 cases (11 new confirmed cases)
• Floyd County – 34 cases (13 new confirmed cases)
• Harrison County – 18 cases (3 new confirmed cases)
• Crawford County – 1 case (no change)
• Orange County – 1 case (no change)

Dave O’Mara Contractor Inc. is expected to begin work on a $1.4 million pavement replacement and restoration project on S.R. 258 and S.R. 11 on or after Monday, April 6.

The contract includes asphalt resurfacing on S.R. 258 west of Seymour and concrete pavement restoration on S.R. 11 between U.S. 50 and I-65 in Jackson County.

Crews plan to start with curb ramp removal and replacement along S.R. 258. Following this work, crews will begin patching, milling, removing concrete pavement and paving. Lane closures will be in effect while work is in progress.

Flagging will take place on S.R. 258, while temporary traffic signals will be in place on S.R. 11.

The contract was awarded in October 2019 and is expected to be complete in late August 2020. Motorists should slow down, watch for slowed or stopped traffic, and drive distraction-free through all work zones. All work is weather dependent.

Property Taxes are still due May 11, according to Washington County Treasurer Shirley Batt. 

However, the State of Indiana has granted a 60-day waiver of late fees so the spring installment can be paid anytime up until the spring installment may be paid up to and including July 10, 2020, without penalty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. 

Batt said the courthouse is still closed to the public until further notice.

“We will have no in-person contact,” said Batt. “Only 2 essential employees will be in the office to answer phone calls or emails. As events change, we will update on Facebook and through the local media.”

Batt said partial tax payments will be accepted.

“Include parcel number or duplicate number when making a partial payment,” she said. “This is the only way we can identify properly to post the payment.”

To get a receipt for your payment, include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return.

Batt also asks that taxpayers check to see if their payment has been posted.

Batt said people can go to washingtoncounty88.us, click on TREASURER, then on left choose PROPERTY TAX INFORMATION.

“On the next screen, you may search by name, property address or parcel number. Search by last name. This will provide a list of parcels. Click on the parcel you want to research and scroll to the bottom of the page. Once payment posted a receipt number and date will show for payment made,” explained Batt. 

The State of Indiana has granted a 60 Day waiver of penalties for late property tax payments.E.O. #20-005 states as follows in Section 6, Paragraph B:
Property taxes remain due on May 11, 2020, however counties are to waive penalties on payments made after May 11, 2020, for a period of 60 days. This waiver does not apply to tax payments which have been escrowed by financial institutions on behalf of property taxpayers.

Hence, each county shall waive any penalties for any property taxes paid within sixty (60) days after the statutory deadline; therefore, the spring installment may be paid up to and including July 10, 2020, without penalty. However, taxpayers are encouraged to make timely payments (that is, on or before May 11, 2020) in order to ensure orderly
operations of government.

Please note that this will not apply to property tax payments made through an escrow account or mortgage company.

This waiver applies to property tax liabilities for both real and personal property.

“Please be patient with us during this difficult time in our local communities, counties, state, nation and world. We are attempting to keep business on schedule and help with any questions you may have,” said Batt. 

Taxpayers can reach out by email or phone at treasurer@washingtoncounty.in.gov or sbatt@washingtoncounty.in.gov, or 812-883-3307.

The Treasurer’s Hours are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday-Friday

The Treasurer’s Office maintains the following options for payment:

• DROPBOX: Checks, money orders or cashier’s checks and MUST INCLUDE THE PAYMENT COUPON.
  • Payments may be dropped in the gray payment box on the south side of the courthouse by the flagpole handicap parking space. Include contact information (phone OR email).
  • DO NOT PUT CASH IN PAYMENT DROPBOX.
• BANK: Pay at any First Savings Bank branch. You must provide a payment coupon. Include a phone number on the check.
• MAIL: Send your check, money order or cashier’s check with PAYMENT COUPON made payable to:
  • Treasurer Washington County    99 Public Square Suite 101    Salem IN 47167
  • Include contact information (phone OR email).
  • DO NOT PUT CASH IN MAIL. Website www.washingtontax.net – payments may be made on this website.
  • Please note a convenience fee of 2.95% will be applied.

Groups representing dairy farmers and cooperatives in the Midwest today urged the federal government to provide direct assistance to farmers and to expedite the purchase of additional dairy foods amid unprecedented disruptions in supply and demand due to the COVID-19 national emergency.

In a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the groups cited the mass closure of restaurants, schools and other foodservice outlets, decimated export markets and a sharp drop in prices farmers are being paid for their milk.

“Direct relief to dairy farmers and a substantial purchase of dairy commodities by USDA can ensure our industry will remain fiscally able to function in its primary role of feeding the nation and the world,” the groups said. 

The letter was issued jointly by Cooperative Network, Dairy Business Association, Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, Wisconsin Farm Bureau and Wisconsin Farmers Union.

Dairy processors and farmers are working in cooperation and with open lines of communication, but these circumstances, far beyond their control, are beginning to result in fresh farm milk finding no available market for processing. Commodity dairy prices have plummeted and will result in milk prices lower than many farms can handle to sustain long-term viability, according to the groups.

The dairy groups urged the USDA to consider the different means available to the agency to make farmers whole for the milk they have produced but needed to dispose, or for which they received drastically reduced payments.

In pushing for product purchases, the groups specifically asked USDA to focus on non-fat dry milk, butter, cheddar, mozzarella, other Italian styles of cheese, and dairy products purposed for use by restaurants and food service vendors.

The recently passed CARES Act directs $14 billion to the Commodity Credit Corporation, $9.5 billion to a dedicated disaster relief fund for agriculture, $25 billion for SNAP programs and $450 million to support food banks serving the food insecure.

“This bill enables unprecedented support for farmers and unprecedented commodity purchases, and we need USDA to bring these forms of aid to bear immediately,” the letter said.

Below are comments from each of the dairy organizations:

“Dairy manufacturers have seen their largest market channel — food service sales to restaurants, schools, colleges, and destinations — deeply cut in the effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. Sales lost at hundreds of thousands of restaurants and institutions cannot be replaced, and our industry looks to the U.S. government to purchase dairy products to move to food pantries and family feeding programs.”

— Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association
 

“During this is a time of great uncertainty, the government must act quickly to provide assistance to those who supply the world’s food with more stability. In the dairy space, that means farmers should have confidence that they will be paid for all the milk they produce. There is also a need for the mass purchase of dairy products to help markets adjust to this new environment.”

— Dairy Business Association and Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative
 

 “The dairy industry is facing unprecedented challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is essential that every possible means of support be given to Wisconsin dairy farmers and cooperatives as quickly as possible. This support should include increased government purchases and distribution of dairy products from cold storage.” — Cooperative Network

 “America’s freedom, strength and future hinges on its ability to feed its people.  We must make sure that this crisis doesn’t leave America weak by our inability to deliver food to our own people. There is no good reason for Americans to go hungry while our farms are the most capable and efficient in the world. We need immediate action.” — Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin

 “In a time when normal seems to be something from the past, we are looking to Secretary Perdue to recognize the importance of Wisconsin dairy farmers to the nation’s food security. Dairy farmers need assistance and this is the first step to attempt to help keep them farming and providing the safest food supply in the world.”

— Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation

 “America’s dairy farmers are doing everything they can to support the nation during the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular making sure that American households have a steady supply of milk and other dairy products.  The economic disruption of the past several weeks has had dire consequences for U.S. dairy farmers.  Wisconsin Farmers Union urges the USDA to take swift action to help dairy farmers so they can in turn help others at this critical time.” — Wisconsin Farmers Union
 

According to the Floyd County Health Department, 57 people were tested for the Covid-19 virus on March 31. 

In the past 19 days, FCHD has administered 702 tests (since March 13) and 58 of those had a positive result.

There has been 9 new positive patient identified with 58 total positives identified by Floyd County. Of those, 27 were Floyd County residents. 

Numbers of tests conducted are compiled from Floyd County Health Dept, Baptist Health Floyd Hospital and Medical Groups, and other Physician Offices in Floyd County.

A third person from Scott County has tested positive with the COVID-19 virus and is currently in quarantine in their home. 

According to the Scott County Health Department, the patient was tested on March 30 and the result came back positive today (April 1).

This is the second positive result being returned today.  

The SCHD has identified all other close contacts of the patient who might have been exposed and ensured that appropriate precautions have been taken in accordance with the latest CDC guidance. 

The patient is in the highest risk category for age. 

The patient does not work and in the past 14 days has only left their home to seek medical care. 

Symptoms of novel coronavirus include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Like influenza, human coronavirus is most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:

• Respiratory droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing. 
• Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands.
• Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands; and
• Rarely, fecal contamination

The best way to protect yourself from any respiratory illness, including the flue, is to:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. 
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. 
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

#INthistogether social distancing campaign aims to keep Hoosiers healthy and return Indiana to normal social interactions and business operations

 Partners supporting #INthistogether campaign include Eli Lilly, Indiana Pacers, Indiana Fever, Indianapolis Colts, Indiana University, and Purdue University

Governor Eric J. Holcomb and Mayor Joe Hogsett – and a coalition of statewide business and community partners including Eli Lilly and Company – announced a social distancing campaign to help flatten the curve for COVID-19 in Indiana. The #INthistogether campaign will help Hoosiers understand the importance of social distancing, provide access to helpful tips and information and galvanize communitywide commitment to flattening the curve. When done correctly, social distancing reduces the number of hospitalizations and deaths related to the pandemic.

Gov. Holcomb launched the #INthistogether social distancing campaign at his daily press briefing on COVID-19 and through a statewide public service announcement. Mayor Hogsett released a public service announcement showing his support for the campaign and its importance for residents of Indianapolis, one of the nation’s growing hotspots for cases of the virus. Other partners launched their own contributions to the campaign, including videos and social media posts from Indiana Pacers shooting guard, Victor Oladipo, Indiana Fever player and vice president of basketball operations, Tamika Catchings, and Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard.

 “Social distancing is the most important and effective tool we have to defeat COVID-19,” said Gov. Holcomb. “If we act now, we can save lives and then re-open our state for business, group activities, sports and the other things we enjoy doing together as Hoosiers. But we need every person to take this seriously and do their part. We are truly in this together.”

All Hoosiers are encouraged to show how they are practicing good social distancing, whether they are at home, at an essential business or going out for essential needs. Today’s announcement included a community toolkit that allows everyone in the state to show they are #INthistogether. A wide range of resources can be found at INthistogethercampaign.com.

“This campaign is sharing a critically important message with the people of Indianapolis as well as residents across the state,” said Mayor Hogsett. “It’s clear that social distancing works. And while restrictions have presented challenges for businesses, families, and workers, the health and safety of Hoosiers have to continue being our top priority. In order to meaningfully address this public health crisis, we must ensure people understand that their actions impact the wellbeing of their neighbors. We really are in this together.”

The #INthistogether campaign underscores the urgency of these social distancing tips:

• Stay home. Right now, staying home is the best way you can help our healthcare workers and first responders. Essential businesses are still open and everyone can go to grocery stores, the pharmacy and medical care as needed.
• Avoid close physical contact. Remember to maintain a safe distance of six feet apart and keep up healthy hygiene practices, including washing your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, clean and sanitize frequently, and cough or sneeze into the elbow.
• If you feel sick. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, call your physician and try to isolate yourself from others in the home.
• Stay connected with friends and loved ones. There are multiple ways like video conferencing, when available, that allow people to see each other on computers and smartphones. People are also encouraged to write letters and call or text people to check-in and connect socially. Try to say hi to neighbors from six feet away.
• Take care of yourself. That includes your physical health and mental well-being. Staying home does not mean you can’t go for a run or walk as long as you maintain a safe physical distance. Eating well, occasionally turning off the news and a good night’s sleep are important.
• Support our community. Look for creative ways to virtually give back to your community. Call an elderly neighbor, say hi over the fence, offer virtual tutoring or donate to an organization or community fund, like the Central Indiana Economic Relief Fund.

As one of the campaign partners, Lilly has pledged to amplify the campaign by reaching out to other corporations, businesses and community organizations in addition to offering drive-through testing for health care workers and working with the scientific and medical community to defeat the coronavirus.

“Lilly is bringing the full force of our scientific and medical expertise to attack the coronavirus pandemic around the world. Here in our Indiana home, we feel a special responsibility to help bring our community together to practice proven and effective health strategies,” said David A. Ricks, chairman and chief executive officer of Eli Lilly and Company. “We’re honored to be working with Governor Holcomb, Mayor Hogsett and other partners to help Indiana rise to the challenge and flatten the curve. Lives depend on it.”

Visit INthistogethercampaign.com for additional information about the campaign, including links to routinely updated information on IN.gov.