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Bridge painting contract begins Monday on S.R. 135 in Washington County

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INDOT contractor Pacific PCI plans to begin work Monday (April 13) on a $564,000 bridge painting contract.

Crews will begin on S.R. 135 over the Muscatatuck River at the Jackson-Washington County line.

The contract also includes S.R. 446 over Leatherwood Creek in Lawrence County and Arlington Road over S.R. 45 in Monroe County.

Beginning Monday, traffic on S.R. 135 will be reduced to one lane with a temporary traffic signal.

A 45 mph speed restriction will also be in place. Motorists should slow down, watch for stopped traffic and drive distraction-free through all work zones. 

The contractor expects to complete painting at this location by early-to-mid May, weather permitting.

Painting is one of many preservation techniques utilized by INDOT to extend the life of bridge structures.

Prior to painting, beams and other components are sandblasted to remove existing rust and the new coat of paint acts as a sealant to protect from water, salt and other chemicals that may cause corrosion. 

Washington County to Receive $1 Million from Next Level Roads: Community Crossings Initiative Funds

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Governor Eric J. Holcomb and Indiana Department of Transportation Commissioner Joe McGuinness today announced 214 Indiana cities, towns, and counties received a combined $126.5 million in state matching funds for local road projects through the Next Level Roads: Community Crossings Initiative.

Washington County will receive $1 million in funding for local projects. The Town of New Pekin will recieve $247,479.00. 

Other surrounding areas receiving grants are: 

  • Bedford $218,476.27
  • Brown County $1,000,000.00
  • Clark County $74,215.50
  • Clarksville $614,868.28
  • Crothersville $206,298.75
  • Floyd County $931,478.64
  • French Lick $1,000,000.00
  • Jackson County $1,000,000.00
  • Jasper $264,162.50
  • Jeffersonville $1,000,000.00 
  • Jennings County $1,000,000.00
  • Madison $721,817.08
  • New Albany $1,000,000.00
  • New Pekin $247,479.00
  • Oolitic $55,559.70 
  • Orange County $962,613.75 
  • Orleans $300,789.75
  • Seymour $999,977.50
  • Shoals $133,270.50
  • Washington County $1,000,000.00
  • West Baden Springs $105,315.00
     
“Hoosier communities are able to take on more needed road work and do it in record time thanks to Community Crossings,” Gov. Holcomb said. “Our commitment to partnering with cities, towns, and counties on vital infrastructure helps build strong communities poised for investment and job growth.” 

The Community Crossings Initiative has provided more than $738 million in state matching funds for construction projects. The latest round garnered more applications than dollars available—making the call for projects highly competitive.

In response to local requests to help manage project flow, INDOT now accepts applications in both January and July, with a $1 million cap annually per community. An estimated $100 million will be available for communities opting to apply during the July 2020 call for projects.

“INDOT’s mission is to build and maintain Indiana’s transportation to grow our economy and enhance the quality of life in Indiana,” said McGuinness. “Through Community Crossings we’re able to take that commitment to local roads, not just our highways. This sustained investment by the state makes sure that the Crossroads of America is maintained from the first mile to the last mile.”

To qualify for funding, local governments must provide local matching funds, 50 percent for larger communities or 25 percent for smaller communities, from a funding source approved for road and bridge construction. They must also submit an INDOT-approved asset management plan for maintaining existing roads and bridges. State law requires annually that 50 percent of the available matching funds be awarded to communities within counties with a population of 50,000 or fewer. State lawmakers identified long-term funding for Community Crossings as part of House Enrolled Act 1002, passed by the legislature and signed into law by Gov. Holcomb in April 2017.

The list of all communities receiving matching funds in the 2020 January call for projects is online at www.in.gov/indot/communitycrossings.

Beware Requests For Donations of PPE; Clark County Health Department

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If you are a business in the community and you have been approached for a donation of personal protection equipment (PPE), to include rain ponchos, do not hesitate to ask for a photo ID and ensure they are from a reputable agency.

The Clark County Health Department asks residents to do their due diligence so as not to be taken advantage of.

“Unfortunately, we have heard of people out in the community name dropping and asking for PPE donations from our local businesses,” they wrote in a press release. 

The Clark County Emergency Operations Center is working alongside the Clark County Health Department to procure PPE donations in the community and has a process in place for healthcare providers to request PPE for their facilities.

“The Indiana State Department of Health has prioritized certain facilities and/or response agencies to receive that PPE based on risk, yet we are working diligently to help anyone in need serving the community in various roles. We don’t have any magic wands to that end, yet we are doing our best,” the release noted. 

Additionally, they have an educator working with local facilities on necessary PPE for the need/use in different facilities and response agencies, answering questions, talking through concerns, etc.

Obviously some businesses have gone direct with the hospital, which is completely acceptable. Just, protect yourselves and ask some questions. We very much appreciate the community’s response, and the outpouring of generosity, through this pandemic. Thank You!

If you have any questions to this end, please email EOC@co.clark.in.us or call (812)246-5538.

Scott County Health Department Confirms Ninth Case and Second Death due to Novel Coronavirus

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The Scott County Health Department Confirms Ninth Case and Second Death due to Novel Coronavirus

According to the SCHD, they were notified of the ninth case of Novel Coronavirus in Scott County earlier Tuesday.

“Unfortunately, this patient succumbed to the disease, which makes this the second death in Scott County from Novel Coronavirus,” the press release stated.

The Scott County Health Department has spoken to all close contacts of the patient who could have been exposed.

“We send condolences to the patient’s family during this difficult time,” the release mentioned. 

  • Case 1 confirmed 3/20 – deceased
  • Case 2 confirmed 4/1
  • Case 3 confirmed 4/1
  • Case 4 confirmed 4/1
  • Case 5 confirmed 4/1
  • Case 6 confirmed 4/2
  • Case 7 confirmed 4/4
  • Case 8 confirmed 4/6
  • Case 9 confirmed 4/7- deceased

 

NASCAR Announces Nominees For NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2021, Landmark Award

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NASCAR today announced the 15 nominees for the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s Class of 2021, introducing the Modern Era and Pioneer Ballots for the first time.

The list includes five first-time NASCAR Hall of Fame nominees – three on the Modern Era Ballot and two on the Pioneer Ballot.

Jeff Burton (21-time Cup Series winner), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (15-time most popular driver) and Carl Edwards (28-time Cup winner) join seven previous nominees on the Modern Era Ballot. Three-time Cup champion crew chief Jake Elder and renowned car builder Banjo Matthews join three previous nominees on the Pioneer Ballot, designed to honor those whose careers began more than 60 years ago (prior to 1961 for the Class of 2021).

The NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2021 will consist of two inductees from the list of Modern-Era nominees, and one from the list of Pioneer nominees – for a total of three new inductees in 2021.

Janet Guthrie returns as a Landmark Award nominee, rejoining Alvin Hawkins, Mike Helton, Dr. Joseph Mattioli and Ralph Seagraves. Potential Landmark Award recipients include competitors or those working in the sport as a member of a racing organization, track facility, race team, sponsor, media partner or being a general ambassador for the sport through a professional or non-professional role. Award winners remain eligible for NHOF enshrinement.

The Modern Era Ballot and Landmark Award nominees were selected by the Nomination Committee, which consists of representatives from NASCAR and the NASCAR Hall of Fame, track owners from major facilities and historic short tracks. The new Honors Committee, largely comprised of all living Hall of Famers, Landmark Award winners and Squier-Hall Award winners, selected the Pioneer Ballot. Both committees’ votes were tabulated by accounting firm EY.

Following are the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2021 nominees and Landmark Award nominees:

 Modern Era Ballot

Neil Bonnett, won 18 times in the NASCAR Cup Series including consecutive Coca-Cola 600 victories

Jeff Burton, won 21 times in the NASCAR Cup Series including the Southern 500 and two Coca-Cola 600s

Dale Earnhardt Jr., 15-time NASCAR Cup Series Most Popular Driver and two-time Xfinity Series champion

Carl Edwards, winner of 28 NASCAR Cup Series races and 2007 Xfinity Series champion

Harry Gant, winner of 18 NASCAR Cup Series races, including two Southern 500 victories

Harry Hyde, 1970 NASCAR Cup Series championship crew chief

Larry Phillips, first five-time NASCAR weekly series national champion

Ricky Rudd, won 23 times in NASCAR Cup Series, including the 1997 Brickyard 400

Kirk Shelmerdine, four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion crew chief

Mike Stefanik, winner of record-tying nine NASCAR championships

Pioneer Ballot

Jake Elder, three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion crew chief

Red Farmer, three-time NASCAR Late Model Sportsman champion; 1956 Modified champion

Banjo Matthews, built cars that won more than 250 NASCAR Cup Series races and three championships

Hershel McGriff, 1986 NASCAR West Series champion

Ralph Moody, two-time NASCAR Cup Series owner champion as mechanical genius of Holman-Moody

Landmark Award

Janet Guthrie, the first female to compete in a NASCAR Cup Series superspeedway race

Alvin Hawkins, NASCAR’s first flagman; established NASCAR racing at Bowman Gray Stadium with Bill France Sr

Mike Helton, named third president of NASCAR in 2000; career included track operator roles at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway

Dr. Joseph Mattioli, founder of Pocono Raceway

Ralph Seagraves, formed groundbreaking Winston-NASCAR partnership as executive with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company

Holiday World Presents Fun Activities For Kids at Home

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Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari have created Holidog’s Digital FunTown to kick summer off early. 

Holidog’s Digital FunTown page is already full of ways to bring Holiday World home, including interactive videos, printable worksheets, and content for kids of all ages at home. In addition to workout, magic and cooking videos, adults can also enjoy Spotify playlists and the Holiday World Podcast.

“As soon as schools started closing, we started hearing from parents who just wanted to bring their kids for the summer already,” says fourth-generation owner, Leah Koch. “Since Opening Day may be farther away than we’d hoped, we decided we needed to bring a little Holiday World into everyone’s homes.”

As part of the effort to kick summer off early, families are encouraged to recreate Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari rides at home, or invent new rides for the park and share those ideas using the hashtag #HomemadeHoWo. Those 18 and older who submit videos will be eligible to win tickets to Holiday World this summer. 

“This is a time that will stick in our memories forever. We want to help families keep those memories fun and positive. That’s what Holiday World is all about,” adds Koch. 

Holiday World may postpone its Opening Day, depending on COVID-19. Visit HolidayWorld.com/COVID-19 for the most updated information. 

Fourth-generation owner, Leah Koch is available for interviews by request by contacting Sabrina Jones at 812-453-2876.

For more information about seasonal opportunities, visit HolidayWorldJobs.com. Please email hr@holidayworld.com or call 812-937-5252 with employment questions.

Versailles Woman Killed in Ripley County Crash

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Yesterday, April 6, 2020, at approximately 3:00 pm, troopers from the Indiana State Police-Versailles Post responded to a two-vehicle crash on State Road 350 near Osgood, Indiana that claimed the life of a Versailles, Indiana woman.

The initial investigation by Master Trooper Ben Bastin indicated a black 2003 Mazda passenger car being driven my Tammy R. Judd, age 48, Versailles, Indiana was traveling eastbound on State Road 350 near Finks Road.  For an unknown reason, Judd’s vehicle left the south side of the road and struck a guardrail.  Judd’s vehicle then came back onto the road and entered the westbound lane of State Road 350 into the path of a white 1998 Chevrolet dumptruck being driven by Brock A. Peetz, age 44, Napoleon, Indiana.

The vehicles struck nearly head on in the westbound lane of State Road 350.  After the collision, Judd’s vehicle came to rest in the center of State Road 350.  Peetz vehicle left the north side of the roadway before overturning and coming to rest.  Judd sustained fatal injuries in the collision.  She was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Ripley County Coroner’s Office.  Peetz sustained minor injuries in the collision. 

Toxicology results on both drivers are pending at this time.

SR 350 was closed for nearly four hours for crash investigation and cleanup.

The investigation is ongoing.

Tammy Judd’s family has been notified.

Trp. Bastin was assisted by Troopers Elston, Prather, Linville, and Holley.  The Indiana State Police was also assisted by the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana Conservation Officers, Osgood Fire Department, Ripley County EMS, and Ripley County Coroner’s Office.    

ISO Announces Personnel Changes Due to COVID-19 Impact 

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Extraordinary circumstances created from the COVID-19 outbreak caused the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra to cancel performances through May 27.

In an unprecedented step to protect its long-term viability, the ISO last week placed its musicians and stagehands on unpaid furlough and laid off nearly half of its administrative staff.  

ISO leadership has applied for financial relief through the Paycheck Protection Program as part of the recently passed CARES Act. CEO James Johnson has advised employees on furlough or layoff to seek unemployment benefits. The ISO has committed to providing healthcare coverage through May. 

“Given the far-reaching economic impact of COVID-19, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is implementing measures to best protect its financial stability during this time,” Johnson said. 

“These personnel actions are extraordinarily difficult, but necessary to manage the challenges faced by our organization. The health and safety of our employees remain a priority. I am grateful that our Board of Directors has pledged to fund health insurance for employees for the near future.” 

As is the case with all organizations in the performing arts and entertainment industry, the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak has prevented the ISO from being able to announce, promote or confirm plans for future performances until there is definitive guidance on when it will be safe to gather and perform again.

During this hiatus, the ISO is retaining a minimum administrative staff on reduced pay and benefits to maintain basic operations. Johnson said that while the ISO is preserving its resources, it is planning for the moment when it can reunite its workforce. 

“At this time, our thoughts are for those on the front lines of the pandemic, especially first responders and healthcare workers,” said Johnson.

“However, we know that music will have a role to play in bringing relief to our community. We look forward to the time when it is safe to resume performing. We will be ready and eager to play our part. It is the ISO’s intention to emerge from this challenging period better, stronger, and more clearly focused on delivering on our mission to serve the community.” 

Members of the community interested in supporting the ISO’s efforts to recover from the challenges related to the COVID-19 outbreak are encouraged to visit www.indianapolissymphony.org/donate to find more information about making a financial contribution or donating the value of tickets from canceled concerts. 

James G. Montesano, 53, of Orleans

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James G. Montesano, 53, of Orleans, passed away at 8:01 AM on April 2, 2020, at
IU Health Paoli Hospital.

He was born June 17, 1966, in Whiteplains, NY, the son of Frank and Patricia
(Brooker) Montesano.

He married Siobhan Montesano (Morris) and she survives.

He is survived by his wife of Ireland; two sons, James (Rachelle) of Settle,
Washington and Joseph (Kylie) of Orleans; two daughters, Meghan Bush (Justin)
and Maria Montesano both of Orleans; six grandchildren; six siblings, Frank, Paul,
Mike, Donna, Patty, and Rosemary.

The family has chosen cremation with a memorial service at a later date.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at ochstetrick.net

Scott County Setting Up Emergency Tents

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The Scott County Sheriff’s Office is in the process of setting up three military tents at the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, (1), and the Scott County Health Department, (2). 

These tents are being set up with the assistance of the Indiana National Guard as a precautionary and training action only.

“We want to be prepared for any possible needs we may encounter in the future due to the Coronavirus, (Covid-19), or any other disaster that could hit us medically, weather, etc.,” according to Scott County Sheriff Jerry Goodin.

The Scott County Sheriff’s Office has been working with the Scott County Health Department and others to help keep citizens, employees and prisoner’s safe.

Sheriff Goodin believes in being prepared for anything that can happen and being prepared means being trained.

Sheriff Goodin also stated, “It is a lot easier to explain why we did something to be prepared than to explain why we did not do anything”.