CenterPoint Energy Provides Restoration Update
CenterPoint Energy Provides Restoration Update
Severe weather caused significant damage in areas of service territory; the company continues to communicate expectations with customers remaining without electric service
 Evansville – Aug. 3, 2022 – CenterPoint Energy has issued the following update as restoration efforts continue in southwestern Indiana:
CenterPoint Energy and contract crews continue to make progress on restoring customers without electric service following severe weather on Monday evening and Tuesday morning. As crews have prioritized larger outages to restore as many customers as possible at a time, the remaining outages are tied to smaller groups of customers. Therefore, the number of customers restored will progress at a slower rate. Efforts continue to clear the significant amount of fallen trees, limbs, and wires and begin repairs.
“Our crews have made significant progress throughout the day on the remaining outages; however, we have not seen a storm produce this level of damage in several years,†said Richard Leger, Senior Vice President of Indiana Electric. “We have more than 60 crews performing tree trimming and restoration work on the remaining outages. We understand the frustrations of those customers who are still without power, and our around-the-clock efforts will continue until the last customer is restored as safely as possible.â€
CenterPoint Energy is in the process of reaching out directly to customers who remain without power to communicate additional information and provide a timeframe on when they can anticipate service to be restored. Based on the current assessment of the remaining restoration work, the company expects outages for some customers will last until Friday, Aug. 5.
For the latest information on power outages:
- Report outages by texting the word “OUT” to 83212
- Sign up for Power Alert Service for information on individual outages
- Follow @CNPAlerts Indiana and visit our outage map for general outage locations; and,
- Visit CenterPoint Energy’s Electric Outage Center for electric safety tips and other resources.
Gov. Beshear Provides Update on Eastern Kentucky Flooding
Gov. Beshear Provides Update on Eastern Kentucky Flooding
The death toll remains at 37; vicious heat is on the way – cooling centers open
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 3, 2022) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on rescue and recovery efforts following historic flooding in Eastern Kentucky. The Governor said the death toll remains the same, 37, but is still expected to increase and that vicious heat is expected in the impacted regions, where cooling centers are open.
“Our biggest concern for today and tomorrow is the weather. It is very, very hot,†the Governor said. “Highs are ranging in the 90s. Combined with a humid air mass, it’s going to make it feel much hotter. That’s why we have set up these cooling centers.â€
Yesterday, Gov. Beshear visited the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and emergency shelter at Shelby Valley Elementary School in Pike County and the Floyd County EOC and emergency shelter. He met with local officials in Breathitt County and toured the high school in the City of Jackson.
The Governor reminded Kentuckians to visit the state’s flood resources web pagefor information about the different types of help and services, including individual assistance directions, for flood victims. Those seeking to donate to the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund, where all proceeds go to help victims, can visit TeamEKYFloodReliefFund.ky.gov.
Fatalities
There are 37 confirmed fatalities in five counties:
- Breathitt – 8
- Clay – 2
- Knott – 17 (13 adults and 4 children)
- Letcher – 3
- Perry – 7
Gov. Beshear noted that Kentucky State Police is reporting three missing persons within the affected posts. But the Governor said this number does not consider other missing person reports made to local agencies.
Weather Update
Highs ranging in the 90s are expected in the impacted areas. These temperatures combined with a humid air mass will make it feel much hotter. The heat index is expected to peak near or above 100 degrees Fahrenheit in some locations. There is also a possibility for additional thunderstorms Thursday. For Eastern Kentucky, more rain is expected Friday night through Saturday and into Sunday morning.
Cooling Stations
There are a total of eight cooling stations across Breathitt, Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Letcher, Perry, Pike and Wolfe counties. For details visit the Governor’s flood resources web page.
“If you don’t have power, if you don’t have a cool place to be, today and tomorrow is going to get really hot,†Gov. Beshear said. “For seniors, people with medical conditions and really everybody, make sure you take care of yourselves.â€
Emergency Shelters
There are 10 emergency shelters actively assisting 221 people. Please visit the Governor’s flood resources web page for a full list of locations and addresses.
FEMA
Earlier this week the Governor sent a request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for additional individual assistance (IA), to add to the IA already approved for the counties of Breathitt, Clay, Knott, Letcher and Perry. Yesterday morning, IA was approved for Floyd and Pike counties. Currently, renters and homeowners of Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, Letcher, Perry and Pike counties who were affected by the severe storms, flooding and mudslides that began July 26 may apply for individual disaster assistance by applying online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362).
“I would strongly encourage people, because this is a tougher process than it should be, to actually go in and talk to someone,†Gov. Beshear said. “We have been promised mobile folks on the ground will be going neighborhood to neighborhood in the near future to document people’s losses.â€
Additional counties are expected to qualify for individual assistance as FEMA teams continue to assess the damage.
FEMA Mobile Registration Centers
A mobile registration center is located in each of Knott, Breathitt, Letcher, Clay and Perry counties. Center locations:
- Breathitt County – 421 Jett Drive, Jackson, KY 41339
- Clay County – Clay Community Center – 311 Highway 638, Manchester, KY 40962
- Knott County – Knott County Sportsplex – 450 Kenny Champion Loop #8765, Leburn, KY 41831
- Letcher County – Letcher County Recreation Center – 1505 Jenkins Rd., Whitesburg, KY, 41858
- Perry County – Hazard Community and Technical College – 1 Community College Drive, Hazard, KY 41701
Hours for all the centers are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. FEMA representatives will be at the centers to help with applications for federal assistance and provide information about other disaster recovery resources.
Power Outages
Power outages have been cut in half. Currently there are about 5,000 reported outages across Breathitt, Knott, Perry, Floyd and Letcher counties.
Kentucky National Guard
In addition to their great rescue work, the Kentucky National Guard has distributed 2,404 cases of water and 65 cases of meals ready to eat in the affected counties. Four hundred Kentucky National Guard members are currently supporting the mission.
Parks Housing
A total of 219 people are temporarily housed at Kentucky State Parks:
- Jenny Wiley State Resort Park has a total of 147 people occupying rooms, cottages and the campground. Rooms are fully booked, but campground space is available.
- The road to Jenny Wiley between the ranger’s station and convention center remains flooded, but parks are providing shuttle by boat to transport to May Lodge.
- Four people are staying in one camper at the Paintsville State Park Campground.
- Pine Mountain State Resort Park has a total of two people staying and five rooms available.
- Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park’s power has been restored, and now has running water.
- Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park has 55 people occupying rooms and 20 rooms and two cottages are available.
Travel Trailers
Today, the Governor announced a way for people who are seeking emergency shelter in a travel trailer to register for assistance. That registration page is linked on the flood resources page, and the state also has supplied flyers to FEMA disaster recovery centers and Red Cross shelters that have the registration link. The Eastern Kentucky Sheltering Program is available to survivors whose homes were majorly damaged, destroyed or deemed not habitable in one of the seven counties designated for FEMA Individual Assistance: Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, Letcher, Perry and Pike. Program eligibility requires that participants register for assistance with FEMA at disasterassistance.gov.
Location of travel trailers so far: 25 at Jenny Wiley State Park, two are operational and ready for occupancy; 25 are at Mine Made Campground in Knott County, soon to be operational; nine are at Carr Creek State Park in Knott County, soon to be operational.
Transportation
- Bridge inspections continue. There are nearly 1,100 inventoried bridges in the region, and 84% have been inspected.
- Twenty-one bridges that have been checked are still impassable. Four are state bridges; the other 17 are county bridges.
- Transportation Cabinet crews from as far away as the Paducah highway district are in Eastern Kentucky, helping to reopen county roads in Breathitt, Knott and Letcher counties.
Debris Clean Up
- The Transportation Cabinet is seeking sites where debris can be safely disposed.
- Requests for quotes have gone out to dozens of potential vendors.
- The cabinet is coordinating on this with the Division of Emergency Management and the Army Corps of Engineers.
Replacing Licenses, Titles and Registrations
- Mobile “pop-up†driver licensing services will be set up to issue replacement driver licenses, permits and state ID cards for flood victims sheltering at Jenny Wiley, Pine Mountain and Buckhorn Lake state resort parks.
- The one-day visits will be Friday at Jenny Wiley, Monday at Pine Mountain and Tuesday at Buckhorn Lake.
- The hours at each location will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. No appointments needed, walk-ins only.
- There’s no charge for the replacement documents and credentials for residents of the 13 counties covered by the federal disaster declaration: Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike and Wolfe.
- There is also no charge for replacing titles or registrations for motor vehicles, boats, mobile homes and ATVs.
For more information read the full release.
HVAC Mechanics and Plumbers
The director of Kentucky Emergency Management issued a directive allowing HVAC mechanics and plumbers who have out-of-state licenses in good standing to perform volunteer work in the counties of Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike and Wolfe counties.
Team KY Flood Relief Fund
Donations through TeamEKYFloodReliefFund.ky.gov include 21,692 donations for a total of more than $3 million. The first expenditures from the fund will start going out this week. The Governor said we have 11 funeral payments ready to go out to those families who lost a loved one, and more is on the way as the fund is covering the cost of each victim’s funeral. These first payments will be $10,000 per lost loved ones going to the families of the deceased. No one will have to apply for this assistance as the state is working with area officials and funeral directors to identify these families.
“After all that work you put in, for your family, you’re suddenly left with only the clothes on your back,†Gov. Beshear said. “These are proud hard working folks that just lost it all, and maybe even lost someone they love. The least we can do as human beings, as people of faith and values, is to give and do what we can to get them back on their feet.â€
Comprehensive Vehicle Coverage
Comprehensive auto insurance covers flood damage. People with comprehensive coverage should contact their insurance agent to file a claim.
Kentucky Department of Revenue
The Kentucky Department of Revenue will honor the recently announced IRS special tax relief for taxpayers in any area designated by FEMA as qualifying for individual assistance due to flooding. Individuals and households who reside or have a business in Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike and Wolfe counties qualify for this income tax relief. Affected taxpayers with a valid extension will have until Nov. 15, 2022, to file Kentucky tax returns for individual income tax, corporate income tax, and limited liability entity tax.
Estimated income tax payments due on Sept. 15, 2022, are also allowed an extension until Nov. 15, 2022. Payroll withholding filings and payments due between July 26 and Nov. 15, 2022, are also eligible for this extension. Late filing and payment penalties will be waived for those affected taxpayers seeking relief based on these tax categories. Kentucky’s tax laws do not allow interest to be waived due to natural disasters. Taxpayers should label the top margin of the tax forms filed under this relief provision in large, red letters with the words “Kentucky Flood Relief.”
U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that Floyd and Pike counties are now included as primary counties in the disaster declaration in Eastern Kentucky, and the SBA will open three Business Recovery Centers this week. For complete information read the release from the SBA.
For more information on flooding response efforts visit the Governor’s flood resources page.
What You Need to Know When Filing a Homeowners Claim
The Indiana Department of Insurance provides tips to help in the event your home is damaged or destroyed by a covered disaster.
Indianapolis — Homeowners insurance includes a type of property insurance that pays for losses and damages to your home if it is damaged or destroyed by fire, weather, theft, or another covered disaster. When those events happen, you will need to file a claim. The Indiana Department of Insurance (IDOI) provides tips and resources to assist you through the process.
WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE FILING A CLAIM
Know when to file a claim. Before reporting the property damage to your home, find out what your deductible is. If the damage is minor, you might decide you are better off paying for the repairs out of pocket. If you believe the damage will cost more than your deductible to repair, or there is a lot of damage, you may want to file a claim.
If you decide to file a claim, it is important to notify your insurance company right away. The amount of time you have to report your claim varies by state.
Here are the steps you will need to take:
- Make a list of all your damaged property. You will need this when you meet with your adjuster.
- Take photos and videos of damage.
- Contact your insurance company or agent with your policy number, name, address, and phone number.
- You will need to explain what happened and describe the extent of the property damage.
WHAT IF YOUR HOME HAS FLOOD DAMAGE
Flood damage is generally not covered by a standard homeowners or renter’s insurance policy. If you have a separate flood insurance policy, remember to include a copy of the policy and the contact details for the insurer on your list. Flood is a covered event in most auto insurance policies.
Flood insurance is a separate coverage you can purchase through an agent or insurer participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). It is a program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which works closely with more than 80 private insurance companies to offer affordable flood insurance to homeowners, renters and business owners. In order to qualify for flood insurance, the home or business must be in a community that has joined the NFIP. If your community does not participate in the NFIP, contact your licensed insurance agent to ask about private flood insurance.
It is important to note that the NFIP insurance policy does not go into effect immediately after you purchase it. There is typically a 30-day waiting period unless a policy is bought at the same time as a newly purchased home.
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ACTUAL CASH VALUE AND REPLACEMENT COST
Actual Cash Value is the cost to replace your damaged, stolen or destroyed personal property with new property of like kind and quality, minus depreciation. It is what you would pay at today’s cost, minus the depreciation. It is important to account for depreciation when considering Actual Cash Value coverage. Keep in mind that the cost of the insured property will be valued at a lower amount based on wear and tear and the age of the property. You will, however, be reimbursed for the actual cash value of your property at the time of the claim, minus your deductible.
Replacement Cost is the amount it would take to replace or rebuild your home or repair damages with materials of similar kind and quality, without deducting for depreciation. In other words, it is what you would pay to replace your property at today’s cost. Many insurance companies require homes to be insured for at least 80 percent of their replacement value. With 80 percent coverage, the insurance company will pay losses in full, less any deductible, up to the face amount of your policy.
THINGS YOU SHOULD DO TO PREPARE
Take an inventory. Go through every room in your home; write down and take pictures or videos of everything in the room. Inventory everything, including valuable items such as antiques, electronics, jewelry, collectibles, and guns.
Do this before a disaster strikes. The NAIC’s free Home Inventory App will help you with the process. You can download it from the App Store and Google Play. It allows you to take pictures and document your items by room and category.
If you do not use an app for your inventory, store your inventory in a secure place at another location, such as your workplace, a safe deposit box, a relative’s house, or online.
- Review and update your inventory annually, including your pictures/videos.
- Update your inventory when you buy new items.
- Keep receipts with your inventory for all repairs and new items you buy for proof if you have to file a claim.
Work from memory if your property was destroyed and you have no records.
- Review photos (e.g., on your cell phone or from family or friends) taken inside your home. That may help you make the list.
- Search online retailers to help estimate costs.
Consider getting appraisals for high-value items, such as jewelry, antiques, electronics, collectibles, and guns, and scheduling them under the policy. Most homeowner’s policies only have fixed limits and fixed causes of loss for these items. The limits are minimal to the value of some of these items. If you want to have valuable items properly covered, they need to be specifically scheduled on the policy and backed up by a current and valid appraisal.
Collect the 24-hour contact information for your insurance agent and insurer and enter it as a contact on your smartphone. Make a list that includes your policy numbers, insurer and insurance agent’s phone numbers, website addresses and mailing addresses. Also, check to see if the company or agent has an emergency information hotline.
Know how to work with contractors. A contractor is someone you hire to manage the repair of your home. The contractor is responsible for supplying the necessary equipment, material, labor, and services to complete repairs. Don’t feel rushed or pushed to agree with something you aren’t comfortable with when it comes to repairs. It might help to have your contractor meet with you and the insurance adjuster.
HOW THE IDOI CAN HELP YOU WITH A COMPLAINT ABOUT A CLAIM
If the insurance company has not followed the terms and conditions of your policy, you may submit a consumer complaint form with the IDOI Consumer Services Division. The IDOI can obtain information or explanations on your behalf from the insurance company or their representatives and review the information for compliance with statues, regulations, and policy contracts. The IDOI may take corrective action against a company if actions are in violation of a statute, regulation, or policy the IDOI enforces. Visit in.gov/idoi/consumer-services to learn more about the complaint process.
About the Indiana Department of Insurance
The Indiana Department of Insurance protects Indiana’s insurance consumers by monitoring and regulating the financial strengths and market conduct activities of insurance companies and agents. The IDOI monitors insurance companies and agents for compliance with state laws to protect consumers and to offer them the best array of insurance products available. The IDOI also assists Hoosiers with insurance questions and provides guidance in understanding how insurance policies work.
AMERICAN HERITAGE RIVERBOAT TO DOCK IN EVANSVILLE ON AUGUST 8
Evansville, IN – August 1, 2022 – Visit Evansville and American Cruise Lines have announced the return of cruise ships to Evansville’s Ohio River shore. The first ship to arrive will be American Heritage, a classic newly renovated paddle-wheeler boat carrying 150 passengers. The riverboat will moor on Monday, August 8 at the dock formerly occupied by the LST 325 and will offer daytime excursions for passengers from approximately 8:30 AM – 12 PM. A welcome ceremony will be held at 8:15 AM, with greetings from the mayor, community ambassadors, and other City and County officials.
“American Cruise Lines is so pleased to be visiting Evansville, as we continue to grow and offer more cruises on the Ohio River. Together with community partners, we are building for the future of Ohio River cruising, including more riverboats, new ports of call, and new opportunities for guest enrichment throughout the surrounding communities,†said Paul E. Taiclet, Executive Vice President, American Cruise Lines.
“We are thrilled to be working with American Cruise Lines to reestablish Evansville as a stop for cruise ships and riverboats along the Ohio River. Our city, and its unique location geographically, positions us to introduce visitors to a wealth of attractions and amenities in and around our community,†said Alexis Berggren, President & CEO of Visit Evansville.
Visit Evansville recently entered into an agreement between the City of Evansville and Inland Marina, Inc. to manage and maintain the dock formerly occupied by the LST 325, to attract riverboats, cruise ships and other tourism-related activities to the area. American Cruise Lines is the first agreement to be formerly achieved, and the two companies continue to work toward a long-term partnership.
About American Cruise Lines
American Cruise Lines offers river cruising and small ship coastal cruising in the U.S.A. Year after year, America continues to launch the newest U.S.-built ships and uniquely curated itineraries for exploring and Cruising Close to Home®. On all American cruises, guests discover the history, spirit, and culture of the United States aboard a sophisticated fleet of American riverboats and small cruise ships. American operates 15 ships, all accommodating just 100-190 passengers, which cruise more than 35 domestic itineraries in 34 states. American offers domestic Flat-Rate Airfare for all its U.S. cruises and complimentary pre-cruise hotel stays for all Mississippi River cruises. Â
 About Visit Evansville
Visit Evansville is the official sales and marketing agency for tourism in Evansville, Indiana and Vanderburgh County. Visit Evansville is dedicated to marketing and supporting local hotels and attractions and enhancing the area’s economy by selling the region as a premier destination for conventions, meetings, sports events, leisure, and business. Additionally, Visit Evansville operates the Evansville Sports Complex, a state-of-the-art, multi-use sports facility, home to Deaconess Sports Park and Goebel Soccer Complex.
Gov. Holcomb Makes Appointments to Various Boards and Commissions
INDIANAPOLIS — Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced several appointments to various state boards and commissions.
Board of Trustees of Purdue University
The governor made one reappointment to the board, who will serve until July 1, 2025:
- Malcolm DeKryger (DeMotte), president and co-owner of Belstra Milling Company
Commission for Higher Education
The governor made three reappointments to the commission:
- Anne Bowen (Terre Haute), MBA student at Indiana State University, who will serve until June 30, 2024
- Al Hubbard (Indianapolis), co-founder of E&A Industries, will serve until June 30, 2025
- Christopher LaMothe (Indianapolis), former CEO of Elevate Ventures, who will serve until June 30, 2026
The governor also made three new appointments to the commission, who will serve until June 30, 2026:
- Mike Daigle (South Bend), CEO and executive director of the St. Joseph County Airport Authority
- Nancy Jordan (Fort Wayne), senior consultant with Bulldog Consulting Services
- Tom Saunders (Lewisville), retiring state representative
Governor’s Workforce Cabinet
The governor made three new appointments to the cabinet, who will serve until December 31, 2023:
- Theresa Koleszar (Brownsburg), director of the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services with FSSA
- Marilyn Pitzulo (Indianapolis), associate chief of workforce strategy and design with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development
- Steve Schreckengast (Lafayette), president and co-founder of Citation Homes, Inc.
State Ethics Commission
The governor made two reappointments to the commission, who will serve until December 31, 2025:
- Corrinne Finnerty (North Vernon), principal at McConnell Finnerty PC
- Katherine Noel (Kokomo), principal at Noel Law, will also continue her service as chair of the commission.
The governor also made one new appointment to the commission, who will serve until July 31, 2026:
- John Krauss (Indianapolis), former and founding director of the Indiana University Public Policy Institute
State Lottery Commission
The governor made one reappointment to the commission, who will serve until June 30, 2026:
- Norman Gurwitz (Indianapolis), consultant and former executive vice president, corporate counsel, and director of human resources for Emmis Communications Corporation
The governor also made one new appointment to the commission, who will serve until June 30, 2026:
- Roger Utzinger (Carmel), management consultant
Otters Can’t Capitalize In Middle Game Loss
The 1-0 Crusher lead stayed firm into the fourth when Lake Erie added to it. Sacrifice fly RBIs by both Sean Cheely and Jake Gitter expanded the lead to 3-0.
Brett Adcock worked well into the game for Evansville, striking out 10 in the game.
Evansville began their comeback attempt in the sixth as Zach Biermann hit a leadoff home run to left. The Otters would have a man on third later in the inning but left him stranded.
In the bottom half of the seventh, directly after a Jackson Valera ground-rule double, the game entered a rain delay. Following 20 minutes of stopped action, play resumed and Brayden Bonner took over for Adcock, ending the inning quickly.
Evansville struck once again in the eighth as J.R. Davis brought in Biermann with an RBI single. But the Otters’ offense sputtered, leaving the bases loaded in the eighth.
In the ninth, Evansville again threatened, putting runners on the corners with just one. A fly-out and ground-out quickly ended Evansville’s opportunity to complete the comeback, giving Lake Erie a 3-2 win.
Adcock received the loss, his fourth of the season. Gunnar Kines allowed just one run in seven innings en route to the win. Alexis Rivero grabbed the save, his tenth of 2022.
Biermann finished with four hits, followed by Elijah MacNamee and Davis with two each.
Evansville’s loss sets up a series-ending rubber match on Thursday night, with the first pitch scheduled for 6:05 p.m. CT. Audio-only coverage begins on the Evansville Otters YouTube page at 5:55 p.m. CT.
The Evansville Otters are the 2006 and 2016 Frontier League champions.
 FOOTNOTE: The Otters play all home games at historic Bosse Field, located at 23 Don Mattingly Way in Evansville, Ind. Stay up-to-date with the Evansville Otters by visiting evansvilleotters.com, or follow the Otters on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
For more information, visit evansvilleotters.com or call (812) 435-8686.
