What could only be called a “Shopping Frenzy” has taken place at local grocery stores, including Walmart, JayC, Ruler and others around the region.

Customers have cleared shelves of toilet paper, hand gel, alcohol, and most everything else in the face of the US being under a National Emergency regarding the Covid-19 pandemic that’s spreading around the world. 

Walmart trucks continue to roll into all stores bringing fresh supplies, but associates are having a hard time keeping the shelves stocked. 

Governor Eric J. Holcomb signed an executive order Friday afternoon to lift regulations on commercial vehicles transporting goods to retailers, some of which are running short on supplies.

Shoppers around the Kentuckiana area depleted stores shelves in the last few days of water, toilet paper, cleaners and other staples; stocking up ahead of coming school closuers and potential other shut downs.

Drivers of commercial vehicles, including those who deliver food, goods, and items to Indiana businesses for purchase or use by Hoosiers as well as delivery of items for emergency preparedness, are limited by in the number of hours they can work in a single day.

This waives those regulations.

West Washington School Corporation has announced this afternoon that the school will be closed the week of March 16 and will reopen the week after spring break on Monday, March 30. 

A decision about future closures will be communicated immediately following the decision being made.

Due to the number of schools closing after today for an extended period of time, it has become apparent the IHSAA boys basketball tournament series cannot be completed as scheduled.

Subsequently, the boys’ basketball tournament is postponed immediately.

Saturday’s girls’ gymnastics state finals at Worthen Arena in Muncie will continue as scheduled with no spectators in attendance.

The competition will begin at 1 pm ET / 12 pm CT.

Lawrence County Sheriff Mike Branham announced today that only essential visits will be allowed at the Lawrence County Jail.

Effective immediately, all nonessential visits to the Lawrence County Jail will be suspended until further notice.

If you are wanting to visit an inmate you can log onto inmatecanteen.com. You may also add money to an account on this site or as always mail a money order to the jail.

Any questions, contact Lawrence County Jail at 812-275-3316.

Beginning March 16, the New Pekin Town Hall will be closed to walk-in customers. 

According to Sherry Clem, Pekin Clerk, the projected date for resuming normal operation will be April 6.

After receiving information from Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb regarding Covid-19 and out of respect and care for our employees and the community, the town hall will be closed to walk-in customers. 

“We are still operating under normal business hours Monday – Friday, 8a-4p, no through traffic will be allowed”, said Clem. 

The office will be closed for three weeks as well as the park shelter house and the highway garage.

Utility bills can be dropped in the night deposit box on the door (any amount over normal payment will be credited) no change will be given.

Clem said bills can be paid by sending them by US Postage mail, paid over the phone with debit or credit card and online at townofnewpekin.com (click on the PAYGOV button).

“We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. But again, we must take every precaution to stop this virus,” said Clem. 

All three Washington County School Superintendents met this morning with the Washington County Health Nurse and both Salem and East Washington Schools have decided to close beginning Monday, March 16, 2020.

East Washington School Corporation will be closed through April 10. 

“While our classrooms are empty, our work on behalf of children will continue,” said Dennis Stockdale, Superintendent of East Washington Schools.

Stockdale said EWSC will be utilizing eLearning days during this scheduled closure. 

All Eastern school building activities including school day instruction, child care, preschool, athletics/sports, health services, enrichment, etc. are canceled. 

West Washington School Superintendent Keith Nance sent out a video message through the school’s Facebook page. 

“Myself and the school board have been in constant communication and we have had meetings – I have had meetings with the county superintendents and with local health department officials. We are still in a situation where the virus has been confirmed in Indiana. With the level of concern, we are updating our level of response as a Level 3. We are waiting for further direction from the Governor’s office, the Indiana Department of Education or the local department of health to make the determination of any potential school closures.”

Nance said that could happen anytime – in hours or days. 

“I want you guys to know we will have several different levels of closure. First of those would be closed to students. We would have the staff here. All this information would be communicated with our All Call System, email and social media. At this point, we will be open on Monday. Decisions could change over the weekend.”

“This is a decision we will not make lightly. That’s why we’re waiting on further guidance,” said Nance.