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HEALTH DEPARTMENT UPDATES STATEWIDE COVID-19 CASE COUNTS
Holcomb Announces That Indiana Will Loosen Pandemic Restrictions
Holcomb Announces That Indiana Will Loosen Pandemic Restrictions
By Taylor Wooten
TheStatehouseFile.com
INDIANAPOLIS — With the rate of positive COVID-19 cases slowing, Gov. Eric Holcomb announced Wednesday that the state will move to Stage 5 of the reopening plan first unveiled in the early days of the pandemic.
The decision to reopen more of the state’s economy was announced at Wednesday’s weekly virtual press conference with Holcomb and Dr. Kristina Box, the commissioner of the state Department of Health. Stage starts Saturday and is scheduled to be in effect until Oct. 17, providing that the numbers continue to trend downward.
In Stage 5, limits on the number of people who can gather in groups and capacity limits in nightclubs and bars are eliminated. For a gathering of above 500, local health officials should be consulted. Bars and nightclubs are still required to enforce social distancing measures, including asking that patrons remain seated.
Senior centers and meal sites can be reopened, but Holcomb again emphasized the use of precautions like social distancing and wearing a mask.
Both Holcomb and Box noted that the positivity rate of the novel coronavirus has declined from 6.4% in July to 3.9%. The positivity rate refers to the number of people who test positive for COVID-19 out of the total number tested.
Box attributed the decline in part to the statewide mask mandate Holcomb put in place on July 27.
Holcomb and Box said the loosening of restrictions should not be taken as a complete return to the pre-pandemic normal.
“All it takes is one outbreak, or a group of people who don’t wear masks, or don’t practice social distancing and those numbers can spike quickly,†Box said. “So, as we move into Stage 5, it is absolutely imperative to know that this is not a return to life the way we knew it in January.â€
The mask mandate will continue, and Box explained that cloth masks have been proven not only to lessen the risk of spreading the virus from exhaled respiratory droplets, but they also prevent the wearer from inhaling large, infected droplets.
“Masks should be used as a part of a comprehensive strategy to suppress the spread of COVID-19 virus,†Box said.
In response to a question regarding regulations imposed on bars in Indianapolis by Mayor Joe Hogsett, Holcomb said the communication put out by his team is clear but he wants local officials to make decisions based on the data in their community. Indianapolis is being sued by some bar owners who say the city’s restrictions are unconstitutional and are damaging their businesses.
Holcomb’s Democratic opponent for governor, Dr. Woody Myers, issued a news release late Wednesday afternoon saying that loosening pandemic restrictions is a mistake.
“Moving to Phase 5 is the wrong step — we need more vigilance, not less,†Myers said. “It was only recently that Indiana had the highest one day total of cases reported since the beginning of the pandemic. With the arrival of autumn, public health experts are warning we can soon expect a significant increase of new COVID-19 cases.â€
Holcomb’s announcement came as the health department reported 728 new cases of COVID-19 Wednesday, for a total of 113,337, and 10 more death for a total with 3,305 deaths.
Box urged Hoosiers to ensure they get a flu shot as flu season approaches, as the disease has similar symptoms to COVID-19.
In addition to the move to Stage 5, an additional $25 million is being put towards workforce training, announced Teresa Lubbers, Indiana’s commissioner of higher education. She encouraged Hoosiers to apply because the funding expires at the end of the year.
Cris Johnston, director of the Office of Management and Budget, announced that the deadline for businesses to apply for the state’s Small Business Restart Program has been extended from the end of the month to Nov. 1 in Marion County and Dec. 1 for the rest of the state. Previously, the program was not available to businesses that have already received federal funding, but that restriction has been removed.
Holcomb’s next COVID-19 update is at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 30.
FOOTNOTE: Taylor Wooten is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.
AG Curtis Hill Sues Monument Company Accused Of Taking Consumers’ Money Without Providing Gravestones
Attorney General Curtis Hill on Friday sued a Greenfield monument company accused by consumers of taking their money without providing gravestones they ordered. This civil action against the company, Greenfield Granite, seeks consumer restitution and costs under the Indiana Deceptive Consumer Sales Act.
Attorney General Hill also filed a request for a preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order aimed at preventing the company from removing, selling or transferring assets until the legal process plays out.
As of Sept. 15, 2020, the Greenfield Police Department had taken approximately 70 reports in which consumers reported that Greenfield Granite failed to properly fulfill orders. Recently, officers have observed individuals at the business turning away customers while workers appear to be removing items from the business.
“We have laws in place to protect Hoosiers when businesses abandon their obligations to customers,†Attorney General Hill said. “In this case, we want to ensure that any consumers harmed by this company’s business practices receive refunds or, if they prefer, have their orders fulfilled if products remain available.â€
Greenfield Granite’s area of specialty makes this case especially troubling, Attorney General Hill added.
“No one with an ounce of compassion wants to hear about a business taking advantage of grieving customers trying to achieve closure after losing loved ones,†he said.
Attorney General Hill expressed appreciation to the Greenfield Police Department and Hancock County Prosecutor Brent Eaton for their investigatory assistance.
Consumers who have complaints regarding Greenfield Granite should file a consumer complaint online at https://www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/ or call the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-382-5516.
UE Receives $1 Million Lilly Endowment Grant
The University of Evansville (UE) recently received a $1 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to enhance its online education and learning efforts. The grant was awarded through Lilly Endowment’s initiative, Charting the Future of Indiana’s Colleges and Universities, which was launched in 2019. Lilly Endowment invited all of Indiana’s accredited colleges and universities to examine how they could not only educate students and prepare them for successful futures but also maintain long-term financial sustainability as an institution. The organization announced the Phase 2 recipients on Monday, with a total of approximately $62 million awarded.
After the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, UE successfully transitioned to an online learning platform for the Spring 2020 semester due to the dedication of faculty and staff. The pandemic helped UE to realize the substantial benefits of robust, technology-based educational capabilities.
“This generous gift we have received from Lilly Endowment will help us transform the educational experience of our students at the University of Evansville,” said UE president Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz. “As the world of technology continues to evolve and shape education, we are committed to investing and developing our technological capabilities as a growing sector for the future.”
With the grant funds, UE plans to implement major initiatives that will enhance the campus as well as the online learning environment. As the University plans for a future after the pandemic, online education will undoubtedly play a larger role in academics. Supporting online education will allow UE to serve traditional, on-campus students in addition to adult and international students.
UE will create an Office of Strategic Technology and Online Learning within the Office of Academic Affairs. The office will include a director and two full-time assistant directors to lead the University’s efforts in developing online education that ensures the same high-quality experience offered through the in-person experience. Through this office, faculty will have access to training opportunities and one-on-one support as they develop online courses.
Classrooms will also be renovated on campus to be capable of broadcasting to regional businesses, adult learners working remotely, and international locations, including China and India. The pandemic may create permanent changes to international travel, but specially designed ‘telepresence’ classrooms will allow UE to meet the demand for American programs in overseas settings.
The grant will provide license software solutions for issues that are caused by technical difficulties discovered in an online environment, such as greater exam security, video capturing, and synchronous course delivery. Moving forward, UE will increase efforts towards program and curricular development for online learning.
Lastly, UE will develop programs to offer undergraduate and graduate certificates, badges, non-credit professional development programs, and new degree programs for adult learners. This initiative will reach out to displaced workers, help local employers meet the demands of skills needed in their changing workforce, and encourage non-traditional students to enhance their career skill sets.
“The worldwide pandemic has changed higher education profoundly, and many of these changes will be permanent,” said Michael Austin, PhD, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost at UE. “This generous grant from Lilly Endowment will help prepare us for the world that will exist long after COVID-19 has faded into the background.”
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based, private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and sons J.K. Jr. and Eli through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, the Endowment is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion and maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana. Visit lillyendowment.org.
Martha “Marty†Friend Funeral Arrangements Finalized
Martha “Marty†FriendFuneral Arrangements Finalized
February 24, 1950 – September 22, 2020
Marty was born on February 24, 1950, to Leo and Jean Beckman in Evansville, Indiana. She studied to be a Special Education Clinician at Indiana State University, and later went on to help her husband John establish and flourish his accounting practice.
Marty was a bright light in this world, whose exuberant personality and generous heart was noticed by everyone around her. She was a loving mother to her three children, a wonderful big sister to her siblings, an adored grandmother, and a cherished friend to so many. She housed a number of exchange students and Evansville Otters baseball players, and always had an open door for those who needed it. Marty showed her caring nature by continuously providing a home full of life, especially around the holidays. Marty’s love didn’t stop with humans; she also had love to share with many dogs and birds throughout the years.
Marty’s passions included sailing and traveling, with fond times in Hawai’i,  the Virgin Islands, skiing adventures with John, and a recent trip to Maine with her girlfriends where her daily routine revolved around the fall foliage, discovering lighthouses, and indulging in lobster.
She loved playing the piano, was a talented painter, and spent hours reading and mastering her craft at crosswords and word games.
If Marty’s vocabulary didn’t dazzle a crowd, then her elegance and grace sure did. Always making time to socialize and support her friends, Marty loved to dress for an occasion where her style and charm invariably lit up a room.
Marty is survived by her husband of 36 years John Friend; her children Melinda (Steve) Pearce, Eric (Emily) Friend, and Lee Vida (Lee Jarvis); her grandchildren Peyton (Nate) Broadhurst, Ryan Magruder, Talula Friend, Sadie Friend, and Josephine Friend; her great-grandchild Aspen Broadhurst; her siblings Bob (Valerie) Beckman, Chuck (Cheri) Beckman, and Melody (Martin) Eastman; and many loving nieces and nephews.
Marty was preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, September 25th at Sunset Funeral Home. A graveside service will take place outside at the Lakeside Pavilion Gazebo at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 26th at Sunset Memorial Park. The service will be standing with chairs reserved for immediate family and those unable to stand. Friends and Family can also visit from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Heart To Heart Hospice Of Evansville, Llc, an amazing organization that helped us through every step of this transition
Lt. Gov. Crouch, FSSA announce 24 Golden Hoosier Award recipients
 Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, in collaboration with Indiana Family and Social Service Administration’s Division of Aging, announced 24 senior citizens received the 2020 Golden Hoosier Award.
“So many of our senior citizens are exceptional role models in their communities and these 24 Hoosiers have made long-term commitments to volunteering in their neighborhoods, towns and cities,†Crouch said. “These unsung leaders make positive impacts on the lives of others and improve the overall wellbeing of our state. Thank you for all your service and answering the call to give back.â€
Crouch said the award began in 2008 and annually honors Hoosier senior citizens for their years of service and commitment to the state.
This year’s Golden Hoosier Award ceremony will be held virtually at 1 p.m. (ET) on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020, and can be watched by going to https://www.IN.gov/lg/2532.htm.
The following individuals are this year’s Golden Hoosier Award recipients:
- David Andrews – Schererville;
- Cheryl Ashe – South Bend;
- Frieda Bolin – Winslow;
- Dorothy Carswell – Bourbon;
- John Cotter – Linton;
- Morton Dale – Leavenworth;
- Margrit Figg – Martinsville;
- Helen Mundy Hudson – Crawfordsville;
- Betty Huelsman – Oden;
- Jack Kahn – Bloomington;
- Roger Kelley – Ellettsville;
- Patricia Kinnett – New Castle;
- Evalena Kuntz – Batesville;
- Terry and Alicia Mardis – Danville;
- Michael McCutcheon – Valparaiso;
- Tim Meyer – Warsaw;
- Shirley Stallworth Moorehead – Gary;
- Danny Nelson – Brownsburg;
- Linda Ozier – Warsaw;
- Cynthia Streich – South Bend;
- Irvin Stumler – New Albany;
- Keith Swanson – Hanna;
- Joe Swope – Columbus; and
- Robert Wulliman – Winona.
Read To Win Prizes! Fall Reading Challenge At The Evansville Public Library
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