More than $118 million awarded to fund 630 projects nationally  

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson announced over $118 million in grants to support local homeless assistance programs across the country.

This round of HUD’s Continuum of Care grants will provide critically needed support to approximately 630 local programs on the front lines, serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

Earlier this year, HUD announced $2.2 billion in grants to support thousands of local programs working towards addressing the needs of homeless individuals and families.

 View a complete list of all the state and local homeless projects awarded funding.
 

Of this round of national funding, the State of Indiana was awarded more than $1.6 million to support 6 projects. 

The state was awarded more than $24 million for 89 projects in the first round of funding, bringing its total Continuum of Care award total for the fiscal year 2019 to $25.4 million. See the project names and amounts here.
 

 “The path to self-sufficiency begins with a safe place to sleep and ultimately, an affordable place to call home,” said Secretary Carson. “These grants will help service providers across the Nation continue their work of reducing homelessness in their communities and help our most vulnerable neighbors. The Trump Administration is committed to lifting up all Americans and this announcement is yet another example of our unwavering commitment to empower this great nation through investing in our people.”
 

“We are committed to empowering Indiana and its communities with the needed tools to help individuals and families experiencing homelessness,” said HUD Midwest Regional Administrator Joseph P. Galvan. “We are working collaboratively to ensure that no one experiences homelessness, but if they do, that it be a rare, brief and non-recurring experience.”

HUD Continuum of Care grant funding supports a broad array of interventions designed to assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness, particularly those living in places not meant for habitation, located in sheltering programs, or at imminent risk of becoming homeless. Each year, HUD serves more than a million people through emergency shelter, transitional, and permanent housing programs.
 

In 2019, most of the country experienced a combined decrease in homelessness, however significant increases in unsheltered and chronic homelessness on the West Coast, particularly in California and Oregon, offset those nationwide decreases, causing an overall increase in homelessness of 2.7 percent. HUD’s 2019 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress found that 567,715 persons experienced homelessness on a single night in 2019, an increase of 2.7 percent since 2018, but a nearly 11 percent decline since 2010. The number of families with children experiencing homelessness declined 5 percent from 2018 and more than 32 percent since 2010. Local communities also reported a continuing trend in reducing veteran homelessness across the country—the number of veterans experiencing homelessness fell 2.1 percent since January 2018 and by 50 percent since 2010.

To see all grants awarded this round, click here. HUD awarded the following grants across Indiana:

While there continue to be no known cases of COVID-19 among staff or offenders at Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) facilities, the previously announced suspension of all facility visitations has been expanded to include all facility volunteer staff.  This change became effective at 5:00 p.m. March 18, 2020.

The decision to expand the visitor suspension to include volunteer staff is precautionary in nature.  Any decision to end or extend the suspension of visitations or the admittance of volunteer staff will be made in the best interest of our staff and the offenders housed at IDOC facilities.  This decision will be reviewed every two weeks.

“This is a necessary step in our continued efforts to avoid the introduction of the COVID-19 virus into our facilities,” stated Rob Carter, Commissioner of the IDOC.

Here are Various Resource Links COVID-19 Related:

To learn more about COVID-19 click this link to the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) website where you can subscribe to ISDH email updates, or click this link for the Center for Disease Control (CDC) coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) information.

To learn more about actions related to COVID-19 taken by the Indiana Department of Correction click this link.

Family and friends affected by the suspension of visitations to offenders may be able to connect by telephone or video from the approved IDOC service provider. For more information click this link.

Attorneys with offender clients at IDOC facilities should click this link for updated information about client visit policies presently in place the result of the COVID-19 virus event.

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) will host two live webinars for Hoosiers impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. 

The 30-minute live programs will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, and at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25.

The program will cover unemployment eligibility requirements, the formula and amounts determined by Indiana State Statute for benefit amounts, frequently asked questions—and how to apply for benefits. 

“We are taking these measures to help the public better understand the process and, most importantly, how to apply for benefits,” DWD Commissioner Fred Payne said. “During this time of uncertainty, we want to provide as much information to the public as we possibly can, and the live webinars are part of those efforts.”

Important notice: The number of attendees on live will be limited to the first 500 who are online for each event. Up to 5,000 can register for each of the two. The program will be recorded and made available to all who register. Once recorded, the program will then be posted on the special landing page established by DWD: www.in.gov/dwd/19.htm. 

To register, visit: https://on.in.gov/UI2020

Ascension St. Vincent has updated temporary visitor restrictions at hospitals in the North and South regions to reduce the spread of viral respiratory infections, including COVID-19.

This is being done in alignment with the latest recommendations from public health authorities and city and state officials. 

Given the unique circumstances related to COVID-19, the following restrictions reduce the risk of exposure for visitors, patients, caregivers, and associates and have been implemented at Ascension St. Vincent Anderson, Carmel, Clay, Dunn, Evansville, Fishers, Jennings, Kokomo, Mercy, Randolph, Salem, Warrick, and Williamsport. 

Hospital entrances – All hospitals have limited hospital entry points.

One visitor per patient at a time

• Age minimum – Visitors must be at least 18 years of age, unless they are an emancipated minor, the parent of a patient or other case-by-case exception. 

• Exceptions – Exceptions to visitor restrictions may be made on a case-by-case basis. In particular, compassionate exceptions will be made. 

Screening for visitors – All visitors will be screened for the following symptoms: 

• Fever greater than 100.0 F

• Cough

• Difficulty breathing

If the visitor screen is negative, the visitation may proceed provided the visitor’s movement within the hospital is limited to the patient’s room.

Ascension St. Vincent appreciates the cooperation of the communities we are privileged to serve.

At the emergency meeting of the Washington County Commissioners on Tuesday, the board adopted a resolution to support the 2nd Amendment of the US Constitution. 

The motion to adopt passed 3-0.

The resolution reads, in part:

Whereas, the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution states, “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed,” and

Whereas, Article I, Section 32 of the Indiana Constitution states, “The people shall have a right to bear arms for the defense of themselves and the State,” and 

Whereas, each member of the Board of Commissioners maintains a strong commitment to the rights of Washington County residents to keep and bear arms, and

Whereas, each member of the Board of Commissioners opposes the adoption of laws, ordinances, rules, regulations and other similar restrictions intended to limit and infringe upon the Constitutional Rights of Washington County residents to keep and bear arms as guaranteed by the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 32 of the Indiana Constitution. 

It is now therefore resolved by the Washington County Board of Commissioners as follows:

1. The Board of Commissioners declares Washington County, State of Indiana, to be a defender of Second Amendment Rights. 
2. The board of Commissioners supports and intends to protect the rights granted to Washington County residents under the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 32 of the Indiana Constitution. 
3. The Board of Commissioners expresses the intention to oppose and prevent the expenditure of Washington County public funds for purposes serving to promote the unconstitutional infringement upon each Washington County citizens’ right to keep and bear arms. 

Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating an off-road vehicle (ORV) accident that occurred yesterday, killing one Gibson County man and leaving his teenage passenger in critical condition.

Gibson County Central Dispatch received a 911 call at 4:36 p.m., about an accident at the intersection of State Road 168 and County Road 550 East.

Initial investigation showed that a side by side ORV driven by 18-year-old Zane Wampler, of Princeton, with a juvenile passenger, was traveling southbound on C.R. 550 E when it attempted to pull out onto S.R. 168. The ORV was struck by a pickup truck traveling eastbound on S.R. 168.

Wampler was ejected from the ORV. The juvenile passenger remained in the ORV. The juvenile passenger was taken by helicopter to St. Vincent Hospital in Evansville, where he is in critical condition. Wampler was transported by ambulance to St. Vincent Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The investigation is still ongoing.

Helmets and protective riding gear were not being worn at the time of the accident. Indiana Conservation Officers recommend using all available safety equipment, and Indiana law requires anyone under 18 that is operator or passenger on an ORV to wear a helmet. For more information on ORV safety, see offroad-ed.com/indiana

Assisting agencies from Indiana included Gibson and Vanderburgh County coroner’s offices, Owensville EMS, Fort Branch EMS, Oakland City EMS, Barton Township Fire Department, Fort Branch and Haubstadt fire departments, Stat Flight, Gibson County Sheriff’s Department, Haubstadt Police Department, and Indiana State Police.

Mayor Sam Craig is working to limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) throughout the City of Bedford government offices and still conduct essential services.

Visitors are requested to stay home and use other means besides person-to-person contact to conduct city business such as phone calls, email, voicemail, night deposits, and drive-thru.

Craig will monitor the current situation and inform the public if this changes.

Mayor Craig will monitor the current situation and inform the public if this changes. By department, these are the restrictions at this date and time which could change. In most cases, offices will ask that you use hand sanitizer provided after you enter the building. 

City Hall – Will be open daily for phone calls at 812-279-6555 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. or email at DAndry@bedford.in.us. The front door entrance will remain locked. Visitors with urgent needs only can the ring doorbell for assistance. Those visitors will be screened at the door. 

Planning Office – Located in City Hall, the office will be open daily for phone calls at 812 275-1631 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. or email at KSpires @bedford.in.us. The front door entrance will remain locked. Visitors with urgent needs only can ring the doorbell for assistance. Those visitors will be screened at the door. 

Clerk-Treasurer Office – Located in City Hall, the office will be open daily for phone calls at 812-275-1606 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 pm. or email at MPfeiffer@bedford.in.us. The front door entrance will remain locked. Visitors with urgent needs only can ring the doorbell for assistance. Those visitors will be screened at the door. 

Director of Administrative Services – Located in City Hall, the office will be open daily for phone calls at 812-275-1635 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. or email DHenderson@bedford.in.us. Visitors with urgent needs only can ring the doorbell for assistance. Those visitors will be screened at the door. Employees are encouraged to contact Denise by phone. 

Transportation Department (TASC) -TASC buses will be running daily Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. for only “ESSENTIAL TRAVEL”. This will include travel to and from employment, medical appointments, and one trip per week to a grocery store. The dispatch number is 812-275-1633. You will be screened on the phone so the office can best plan for the trip. 

Police Department – The police force is staffed 24/7 for emergencies. The department entrance is open to the public if needed. If you have symptoms such as a cough, shortness of breath, or fever you should use other means to contact the department such as phone, email, or voicemail. They ask that you use hand sanitizer provided after you enter the building. Non-Emergency Calls can be made at 812-275-3311. In case of an emergency call 911. 

Fire Department – The fire department is staffed 24/7 for emergencies. The fire department entrances are locked. Non-Emergency Calls can be made at 812-275-4544. Visitors with urgent needs can ring the doorbell and will be screened by personnel if available. If there is no answer call 911 or go to the Police Department. 

Parks and Recreation Department – The park office will be open daily from 7 am. until 11:30 a.m. and from 12:30 p.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The phone number is 812-275-5692.

Beginning Monday, March 16, 2020: 

• All programs and classes through March 31 are canceled. All shelter rentals are canceled through March 31. No new rentals will be booked prior to April 1, 2020. 
• Registration for Bedford Softball Association League can be made over the phone, or by mail 

To continue offering an open-door policy, the main office at Thornton Park will remain open to individuals not demonstrating signs or symptoms of the coronavirus; as posted at the entrance. Persons showing signs of the virus are asked to contact the office by phone or email. Individuals entering the facility: 

• Must be screened prior to entering the facility, 
• Visitors and staff are asked to follow preventative actions, such as thorough hand-washing, avoiding touching your eyes, ears, and mouth, and covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue. 
• Likewise, staff will sanitize the workplace environment by cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• All other City Park facilities will remain closed through March 31. 

The Utilities Department at 1614 L St. will be open for foot traffic for each department in that building as needed at the hours listed below at this time. Officials will monitor the current situation and inform the public if this changes. Officials ask that if you have symptoms such as a cough, shortness of breath, or fever you use other means to contact us such as phone, email, voicemail, or the drop box at the north side of the building. The drive-thru will be open but officials ask that you use hand sanitizer provided after you enter the building or before dropping items in the drive-thru. The offices open in the building and hours are as follows: 

Street Department – Within the Utilities Department will be open daily for phone calls at 812-279-9222 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. or email SHenderson@bedford.in.us. You may leave a voicemail at any time. You must enter the Utilities Department through the North Door but the South Door will remain locked. 

Sanitation Department – Within the Utilities Department will be open daily for phone calls at 812-279-9222 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. or email SHenderson@bedford.in.us. You may leave a voicemail at any time. You must enter the Utilities Department through the North Door but the South Door will remain locked. 

Automated Trash, Rear Loader, and special assistance routes will be picked up as scheduled at this time. Trash should be bagged inside the toter for pickup. Recycle will be picked up as scheduled at this time and must be separated. Calls for household pick-up, extra pickup or larger items will be screened when called into best prepare our employees for pick up. 

Utilities Department – Will be open daily for phone calls at 812-275-7626 Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 4:15 pm. or email at bedfordutilities@comcast.net. The office is closed for lunch from Noon until 1 p.m. 

Pay by text and get optional text reminders to schedule payments for a specific future date. Pay by phone 24/7 at 855-667-0592 or go to www.bedford.in.us

If you have an emergency after-hours contact the water department at 812-275 7173 and someone will screen your call in order to best assist you. 

Mayor Craig says the City’s drinking water is safe – The COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking water. Conventional water treatment methods that use filtration and disinfection, such as our municipal drinking water system, should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19 per CDC Water Transmission and COVID-19. 

Sanitary Sewers – Workers who handle human waste, sanitation or sewage will follow the CDC guidelines of basic hygiene and personal protective equipment to reduce this risk for our employees. 

Sign up for Alerts and Always Be Informed 

Alerts powered by Smart911 is the emergency notification system used by the City of Bedford to communicate with community residents during emergencies. Sign up now to receive free alerts from the City of Bedford via text message, email, and/or voice message. 

Add your address to receive geo-targeted alerts regarding emergencies and boil orders. 

More alerts will be added as the system progresses. After you sign up the first time, you will be notified when other alert types are added and you can opt to get those or not at that time. 

Indicate how you want to be notified by text, email, and/or voice message.

Sign up to receive emergency notifications or login to update the alerts on your account at www.bedford.in.us 

Click on the emergency preparedness triangle at the bottom of the page. Let us support our local restaurants by using carry out, drive-thru, or curb service.

“Please be patient as these are unprecedented times for residences, businesses and our workers who are under a tremendous amount of stress,” says Mayor Sam Craig. “The community will come together to help each other in these difficult times.”

On Tuesday, Scott Dolson, Indiana University deputy director of athletics, was named the next director of intercollegiate athletics.

Indiana University President Michael A. McRobbie made the appointment. The IU Board of Trustees will have to approve the appointment at its April meeting.

Dolson has served as IU’s deputy director and chief operating officer of athletics since 2009. He formerly directed the IU Varsity Club for seven years.

“Given his background and experience in helping to oversee the recent growth and development of nearly every major area of IU’s large athletics operation, Scott is extremely well-positioned to lead our intercollegiate athletics program and further its longstanding and storied traditions of excellence as well as build on Fred Glass‘ outstanding achievements of the last 10 years. For more than two decades at IU, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to ensuring that our student-athletes achieve success both on and off the field, compete within the rules and represent IU with passion, integrity, and distinction.

“Scott also fully understands that our athletics program must continue to be integrated into the university in all ways. He knows that our student-athletes are, first and foremost, students, who are here to develop their athletics prowess while also earning a world-class education that will have an enormous impact on the rest of their lives.”

In a continuing effort to slow the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Governor Eric J. Holcomb has announced additional efforts.

Here are additional directives from Governor Holcomb:

• Gov. Holcomb signed an executive order Monday memorializing that day’s announcements. A copy of the executive order is attached. Here is a link to Monday’s press release: https://calendar.in.gov/site/gov/event/gov-holcomb-announces-more-steps-to-slow-the-spread-of-covid-19/
  • The governor’s executive order also actives the Indiana National Guard to be on duty to assist as needed.
  • The governor’s executive order also delays non-essential public meetings. For essential meetings, one member is required to be physically present, but other members will be allowed to participate electronically.
• Bars, nightclubs and restaurants should now be closed to dine-in patrons. They may provide take-out and delivery services through the end of March. The Governor expects those businesses to comply with the directive for the safety of Hoosiers in their communities without the need to call for enforcement measures.
• Indiana Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program has provided guidance to WIC agencies to help them continue to serve clients while protecting staff and their families. https://www.in.gov/isdh/19691.htm
• The CDC has issued new guidance for when people can come out of self-isolation or quarantine. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html
• The ISDH call center continues to experience high volume. Hoosiers with general questions are encouraged to visit the website in.gov/coronavirus for more information. ISDH has implemented a toll-free call center at 877-826-0011 that includes options for healthcare providers as well as the public. Call center staff will not offer medical advice or provide test results.
• The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has 12 Workforce Regions throughout the state. At least one WorkOne is open in each region, except Marion County. DWD is working with that local WorkOne to ensure unemployment insurance claimants who need access to a computer have that access.
  • The DWD office in the Indiana Government Center South in Marion County is open from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and has computers available for use. 
  • Here is a link to FAQ on Unemployment Insurance: https://www.in.gov/dwd/files/Indiana_Unemployment_FAQ.pdf
• The Indiana State Library is now closed to the public. Access to the library’s online services, such as Ask-A-Librarian, INSPIRE, and the Digital Collections, will continue to be available without interruption.

More information may be found at the ISDH website at in.gov/coronavirus/ and the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

At an emergency meeting of the Washington County Commissioners and County Council, the board voted 3-0 to close all county offices to the public for the next few weeks. 

“Work will carry on,” said Marshall. “The general public will not be allowed in county offices. Everyone is to come to work. We’re going to try to carry on like it’s every day. We’re going to try to do the best we can to give you answers.”

However, Marshall acknowledged that these are volatile times.

“What we say today may change in two hours,” he said on Tuesday.

Marshall said all offices have email and phone numbers listed at http://washingtoncounty.in.gov/

“We’re hoping everything can be handled this way,” said Marshall. 

Salem Mayor Dustin Green was at the meeting and said he was working with the county government to coordinate efforts. 

“As I said yesterday, it was important for the city and county to do the same thing. Sally [Hattabaugh] and I have been discussing what would be the best approach,” said Green. “It’s very important we follow Gov. Holcomb’s directive. It’s a directive and not a suggestion.”

Green said both county and city government work would go on. 

“I don’t have a department I can shut,” said Green. “We will continue to operate. There will be no closures of department or services. But we will close the public from our buildings.”

The county said they will be evaluating these decisions in the days to come. 

CITY OF SALEM CLOSURES

“More than anything, I want city residents and our employees to be safe and healthy as
we endure the next few weeks of uncertainty concerning the spread of novel
coronavirus,” said Green.

“Undoubtedly, I want to assure the public that these protocols are in place
to slow the spread of this highly contagious virus, to protect vulnerable populations, our
healthcare system, and first responders.”

The new protocols include closures of city offices to public access; however, employees
will still be available by phone and through the drive-through window.

As a reminder, the Little League season has been postponed and all park and
recreation activities, including practices, have been temporarily suspended.

The following protocols will remain in effect until further notice:

Effective March 18, 2020, all city buildings will be closed to public access beginning at
8:30am. This includes City Hall, the Salem Fire Department, the Animal Shelter, and
the Senior Citizens Center. All activities for the Senior Center have been suspended.
All departments will remain staffed and employees will be available to help residents by
phone.

The Water Utility Office will accept payments through the drive-through, drop box, by
mail, or check by phone, only.

As always, utility customers can continue to make credit card payments online. Building department permits and fees can also be accessed via the Water Utility Office drive-though.

The Salem Police Department remains open and will begin handling all boat permits.

The Fire Department will continue to be on-call for emergencies.

Please call City Departments as needed for assistance:

• Salem City Hall (812) 883-4265
• Clerk Treasurer (812) 883-4264
• Water Utility Office (812) 883-3937
• City of Salem Police Dept (812) 883-5100 or (812) 883-1524
• City of Salem Fire Dept (812) 883-4970
• Salem Animal Shelter (812) 883-3673
• City of Salem Parks Dept (812) 883-2895

As always in case of an emergency, call 911.

“I am thankful for our city workers, police officers, fire department, and everyone in the
city working together to slow the spread of this virus. We are experiencing something
new to all of us, but I am optimistic we will get through this together by abiding by local,
state, and federal protocols to slow the spread,” said Green. 

The CDC continues to recommend avoiding being exposed to the virus by avoiding
close contact (within about 6 feet) with an infected person.

Clean your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public space, or after sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose. If soap and water isn’t available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Most importantly, to help protect others, stay home if you are sick, except to get medical
care. Call your doctor ahead of a sick visit to explain your symptoms.

Staying home as much as possible is the best way to avoid getting sick or infecting
others.

Please continue to call City Hall if we can be of any assistance. 

Visit cdc.gov for more information about COVID-19 and locally follow https://www.facebook.com/Kentuckiana-Covid-19-Information-101594311478507/?modal=admin_todo_tour

Additional updates to these protocols will be posted as they become available.