Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the 14000 block of Browning Road in northern Vanderburgh County to investigate a suspicious vehicle. Deputies arrived to find a blue 2012 Ford Town and County mini-van parked off of the roadway. The investigating deputies discovered that the vehicle was reported stolen from the state of Georgia.
As the deputies attempted to check the vehicle for occupants, the driver suddenly started the ignition and attempted to drive away. The driver nearly struck one of the deputies in his attempt to flee. The vehicle was able to boxed in, but the driver refused to exit the van. Deputies attempted to negotiate with the suspect to exit; however, he continued to refuse. As a result, a Sheriff’s Office K9 was deployed through a broken window to apprehend the lone occupant of the vehicle. The suspect, Carl Culbertson Jr., was transported to a local hospital for medical clearance before being booked into the Vanderburgh County jail for the below listed charges.
Auto Theft- Receiving (L6)
Resisting Law Enforcement (L6)
Criminal Recklessness While Armed with a Deadly Weapon
Resisting Law Enforcement (AM)
Trespassing (AM)
SENATOR TOMES BELIEVES IT WOULD BE A VIOLATION OF OUR FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT
THE NEW-HARMONY GAZETTE
by: Publisher-Dan Barton April 2020
I have not been “Johnny on the Spot†with addressing the CV issue here in Posey County, primarily because I’ve been predisposed with some hospitalization and surgical issues of my own. No. Not CV; cardiac-related surgery. I’m doing fine, after a week at Deaconess Hospital. But have not gotten my writer’s legs back under me quite yet. However, important issues wait for no man. So here goes:
I’m writing this on Saturday, April 4, 2020. So far there have been no reported cases of CV in New Harmony. According to my sources, there are five cases in Posey County; population approx. 25,910. That’s about 0.00020 percent of the population. Not much, you say. We have thus far been blessed. I hope you are all taking reasonable precautions, as has been outlined by both State and Federal health officials and our elected representatives. New Harmony has done everything that is currently, feasibly, possible to prevent an outbreak here. The rest is pretty much up to citizen control. Let’s take this seriously and be done with it.
This morning I got a call on my cell phone from a concerned citizen. The concern was, that even though our town is doing what it can, the State of Indiana is not. It seems that Indiana Governor, Eric Holcomb, unlike our surrounding states Governors of Kentucky, Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan, has decided to leave our State Park campgrounds open for business during the CV crises. The other states closed campgrounds in order to restrain the spread of CV among the campers and to not spread them into outside communities.
I have to admit that I was startled to hear this news when the person on the other end of the phone related it to me. Why? I wondered, would a Governor close all of the state’s educational institutions, libraries, bars and restaurants, movie theaters and almost all of its businesses, but then leave a loophole as big as the State House, open for social co-mingling and potential disease spread?
The reports of how many campers have been at our own Harmony State Park have differed, depending on where the information is coming from, and I used several sources, both official and community. Some said, as many as 80 campers from places like Kentucky, Illinois, South Dakota, Montana, and Indiana. Others said, around 20 to 25 campers. State Senator Tomes said he had been given a number of around 15 or so from the Property Manager at Indiana Department of Natural Resources in Evansville, Joe Compton. So, take your pick. I tried to call Joe personally before calling State Senator Tomes but couldn’t get him, nor did he return my call. Instead, he immediately called Senator Tomes in order to head me off and do a little damage control on the side. I had very little success reaching anyone at IDNR, who had any authority.
It was a heck of a lot easier reaching Senator Tomes. I called his number and got his wife Margie, who interrupted Jim, while he was splitting fireplace wood. We had a good discussion about our differences on this subject, I being very concerned that these campgrounds might be a breeding ground for this virus to spread to communities like New Harmony and elsewhere if this open camping arrangement at Hoosier State Park was allowed to continue. Jim assured me that Parks personnel were on the lookout for campers being less than several feet apart and would address that problem if seen. I was skeptical. Senator Tomes was opposed to closing these campgrounds, I was not arguing to close the Parks entirely, only camping.
Senator Tomes believed that it would be just another violation of our freedom of movement in America and we should not cross that threshold. He did not agree with me that the campers could inadvertently spread a virus in which monumental steps had already been taken throughout the country to control. He said he believed that there were so many other ways that this virus could be spread that the campground issue was a non-issue. He believed that the national and local economy was already in jeopardy as it is and that further steps, like closing the campgrounds, could lead to irreparable damage to our country.
Senator Tomes is not alone in this position, by the way. In fact, I spoke to many people in New Harmony about this matter and found that there were some, especially in the business sector, who believed just a Jim believes. They believe that camping is done primarily by families only and the risk of them spreading a case of CV to New Harmony was remote at best.
There were others that I spoke to in New Harmony who thought otherwise. Many were dismayed that the Governor would close Indiana businesses, order citizens to stay indoors and close schools, but yet not consider the gatherings of people from Indiana and other states in a campground, just a couple of miles from our border, a threat.
I tried to reach Governor Holcomb, but with no success. Even Senator Tomes said that he wouldn’t be able to reach him when I asked the Senator to pass on these concerns about the Campground and the possible spread of CV to our community. So, I must say, the Governor is not reachable, nor is the upper level of the IDNR, but Senator Jim Tomes is. He was willing to openly discuss the issue in his usual candid manner. We did have to leave it at agreeing to disagree on this issue, however.
If any of you are interested in making your opinion known to our elected representatives, the following is a list of emails that I have gathered. Emailing is the best way, it’s permanent and they can’t erase them:
Governor Eric Holcomb: www.in.gov/gov/2752.htm (This is supposed to be his personal email, that’s why it says gov twice.
Indiana Senator JimTomes: senator.tomes@iga.in.gov
State Representative Wendy McNamara: wendy.m.mcnamara@gmail.com New Harmony’s
County Council Rep: David Pearce: dpearce263@aol.com Posey County Councilman at
Crucial Financial Support Secured from the Trump Administration for Kentucky Hospitals on the Frontline of the CoronavirusÂ
Frankfort, Ky. (April 3, 2020)  — Governor Andy Beshear (D-KY) and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Kentucky’s request to recover Medicaid federal match rates and provide federal funds for a payment benefiting over 50 rural hospitals in the commonwealth.
The total amount of federal funds will be determined by CMS and will help pay hundreds of millions in damages resulting from a state court order between the commonwealth and rural hospitals regarding Medicaid inpatient rates. Gov. Beshear asked CMS to exercise its authority to dedicate federal Medicaid funds owed to rural hospitals.
Following a request from the Beshear administration, Senator McConnell’s office contacted senior officials at CMS and at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reiterating the importance of a quick and positive decision for Kentucky’s rural hospitals.
“We fought hard for this funding, which will now help dozens of Kentucky’s rural hospitals with the crucial support they need to help fight against COVID-19 and confront this pandemic in the commonwealth,â€Â said Gov. Andy Beshear. “I want to thank Senate Majority Leader McConnell for helping us secure this essential funding for our rural health care providers.
“As Kentucky’s rural hospitals and medical professionals stand on the frontline of the coronavirus crisis, I’m glad the Trump administration answered our call to deliver these critical federal funds,â€Â said Senator McConnell. “As Senate Majority Leader, I was proud to raise this important Kentucky priority to the highest levels of the federal government. I look forward to continuing to work with Governor Beshear and our rural hospitals to help give them the tools necessary to care for patients and fulfill their mission.â€
INDIANAPOLIS—The intensifying COVID-19 pandemic is spelling new and unprecedented consequences for the world, and Indiana is no exception, state officials said as they unveiled the latest tolls of the disease and new steps proposed to stem its spread.
“If you’re starting to act when you see the spread, it’s too late, it’s already moving its way across your community,†Gov. Eric Holcomb said at the virtual press briefing Thursday, one in a series of daily updates this week. “We are not going to be figuratively or literally whistling past the graveyard. We are going to be taking the steps that need to be taken in the state of Indiana.â€
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases rose to 3,039 Thursday, according to reports from the Indiana State Department of Health. At least 78 people have died from the respiratory disease, and Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box said hospitals are reporting an estimated 700 patients confirmed to have or suspected of having COVID-19 are being treated intensive care units around the state.
Superintendent of Public Instruction Jennifer McCormick, Indiana’s chief education officer, joined Holcomb and other leaders in the virtual briefing to announce the state’s K-12 schools are to remain closed for the rest of the year.
The decision is prompting Indiana’s school districts to prepare for extended alternative learning, either online or in hybrid models that blend e-communication with print packets. McCormick said school districts will need to submit plans for this alternative learning by April 17. She also said high school seniors enrolled in courses required for graduation will receive credit regardless of what happens in the coming months to ensure as many students graduate as possible.
McCormick acknowledged the response to COVID-19 isn’t perfect for students and their families, and especially for those who might lack access to the tools they need for at-home learning and for students who need special education and remedial teaching.
“We know we will have some work to do, but our local schools are very aware of that,†McCormick said. “The capacity on this may look different going forward. It’s changed a lot of things. It’s also been an urgency call to many of our school districts.â€
Accompanying this burden on healthcare and education is a “historic†rise in unemployment claims, according to information provided by Indiana Department of Workforce Development Commissioner Fred Payne.
An estimated 146,243 residents applied for unemployment in the past week — the week ending in March 28 — and more than 62,300 more claims were filed in the two weeks prior. Payne compared the numbers to the height of the 2008 recession, which saw Indiana’s highest number of unemployment claims in any one-month period at 157,000.
Fred Payne of the Department of Workforce Development described the surge in unemployment claims as a result of the coronavirus at Thursday’s virtual press conference. Photo by Janet Williams, TheStatehouseFile.com.
Now, Payne said the state and his department will need to prepare to break this standard each week as more residents file for unemployment.
“The number of claims we’re received in a one-month period at the highest point of our downturn is what we may be seeing now on a weekly basis,†Payne said.
Payne said he and his department are awaiting federal guidelines to help additional claims, too, including for those from independent contractors and freelances. But those guidelines have yet to be released, causing claims from those groups to be temporarily denied.
While Holcomb has yet to announce an extension to his stay-at-home order, which is set to expire next Monday, he said he will provide more guidance on the order before the weekend and urged residents to take the crisis seriously.
“Don’t be a denier. Don’t deny the facts. COVID-19 is spreading across this country, spreading across our state, as I just tried to articulate, at a scale and a pace that is unprecedented,†Holcomb said. “And if you want to destroy our economy long-term, then don’t deal with the virus.â€
Erica Irish is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.Â
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is continuing its commitment to increasing the availability of surface disinfectants for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. List N: Disinfectants for use against SARS-CoV-2Â (List N) now contains over 360 products and has enhanced functionality to allow users to sort these products by surface type and use site. EPA is also continuing to expedite the review process for new disinfectants.
In addition, EPA has updated List N to include the types of surfaces products can be used on (e.g., hard or soft) and use sites (e.g., hospital, institutional or residential). Products that can be applied via fogging are now noted in the formulation column. This additional information will empower the public to choose products that are appropriate for their specific circumstances.
EPA has continued to adapt its processes to ensure the supply of disinfectants keeps pace with demand. EPA recently announced additional flexibility that allows manufacturers of already-registered EPA disinfectants to obtain certain active and inactive (i.e., inert) ingredients from any source of suppliers without checking with the Agency first. Today, EPA added 48 additional chemicals to its list of commodity inert ingredients . This regulatory flexibility aims to help ease the production and availability of EPA-registered disinfectants.
EPA also is expediting all requests for company numbers and establishment numbers to enable new pesticide-producing establishments to come online as quickly as possible.
For more information on EPA’s efforts to address the novel coronavirus, visit: www.epa.gov/coronavirus.
THIS WEEK, SENATOR BRAUN released more COVID-19 Hoosier Resource Guides providing information on the federal government’s response to the coronavirus and what resources are available to Hoosiers affected by it.
“My staff and I are here to help Hoosiers, and the following resource guides will help small-business owners, non-profit organizations, veterans, students, and employees across the state navigate the federal response to the coronavirus. Again, it’s very important for Hoosiers to wash their hands, limit their time in public, help their neighbors, and together we will defeat the coronavirus.” – Senator Mike Braun
The resources contained within this document are a culmination of state and federal efforts to combat the economic crisis created by the public health battle being waged against the novel coronavirus. For help on any issues related to COVID-19 please contact my office using CoronavirusHelp@braun.senate.gov.
The CARES Act provides non-profit organizations assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic primarily in two ways: provides support to certain nonprofit employers, and incentivizes charitable contributions.
The CARES Act creates a Paycheck Protection Program for small employers, self-employed individuals, and “gig economy†workers, appropriating nearly $350 billion to mitigate challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The CARES Act includes $10.5 billion for the Department of Defense to support the military’s response to the Coronavirus and ensure we protect our forces during this vulnerable time in our history. Notable appropriations are listed below.
Who is eligible for a recovery rebate? All U.S. residents with adjusted gross income under $75,000 ($112,500 for head of household and $150,000 married), who are not the dependent of another taxpayer and have a work-eligible Social Security Number, are eligible for the full $1,200 ($2,400 married) rebate. They are also eligible for an additional $500 per child. A typical family of four is eligible for a $3,400 recovery rebate.
Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act (Phase 1): On March 6, 2020, President Trump signed into law an $8.3 billion in emergency funding to combat COVID-19. The package provides critical funding to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in response to COVID-19, as well as funding to: help develop vaccines and treatments for COVID-19, enable the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) to procure personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators, and other medical supplies; and give states the boost in the resources needed to combat the virus.
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) is receiving $19.6 Billion through the Cares Act. The VA serves as a backup health system in times of crisis—often referred to as the VA’s 4th mission. These funds will help ensure continuity of service to our Veterans, including homeless and low income Veterans, and prepare for the possibility of being activated for 4th mission.
The CARES Act provides a number of food- and agriculture-related benefits, including increased funding for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) administered nutrition programs and increased flexibilities for State administration of such programs.
Any employer, regardless of size, is eligible for the credit during calendar year 2020 if the business: (1) is fully or partially suspended due to a governmental order related to COVID-19, or (2) experiences a significant decline in gross receipts (i.e., a reduction of 50 percent of gross receipts from the same quarter in 2019). The credit also applies to tax-exempt organizations if the operation of the organization is fully or partially suspended due to the circumstances described in (1) above. The credit generally does not apply to governmental employers, including the U.S. Government, state and local governments, or any agency of the foregoing.
For 120 days, CARES Act prohibits certain landlords from making eviction filings, or charging fees, penalties, or other charges to the tenant related to nonpayment of rent. This restriction only applies to properties insured, guaranteed, supplemented, protected, or assisted in any way by the U.S. Department on Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the rural housing voucher program, or the Violence Against Women Act of 1994. This provision does not apply to housing units that are owned outright or privately financed.
This new law has a simple goal: stop the spread of the virus by giving workers and employers the support needed. The law provides paid sick leave and paid family leave to address work and employment interruptions related to the COVID-19 coronavirus. Both benefits are funded dollar-for-dollar for employers through a refundable tax credit program administered by the Internal Revenue Service.
Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced Indiana has been granted a federal Major Disaster Declaration, which provides funds to help communities recover from COVID-19.
The funding can be used to cover costs of emergency needs including crisis counseling, food programs, temporary shelters, protective equipment, safety resources and personnel.
The Governor also signed an executive order today to extend the public health emergency by an additional 30 days – to May 5. The executive order is posted here: https://www.in.gov/gov/2384.htm. The first public health emergency was declared on March 6 and allows the state to increase coordination across all levels of government in the state’s response to coronavirus.
Gov. Holcomb also announced he will extend the Stay-at-Home Order and the restrictions on bars and restaurants an additional two weeks – to April 20 at 11:59 p.m. ET. The executive order will be signed Monday.
Additional steps taken today include:
The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) has been working closely to provide maximum flexibility, including using telehealth, to treatment providers to ensure that crucial services for people that suffer from Serious Mental Illness, and children who suffer from Severe Emotional Disturbances can continue.
o  Hoosiers can call 211, or contact your insurance company, to find access to tele-therapy, and talk to your doctor about whether medication might be right for you during this time.
FSSA announced more than 152,000 Indiana households will receive additional Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits when April distributions begin this Sunday.
This weekend the Indiana National Guard, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Indiana State Department of Health will scout locations for potential alternative care sites. Hoosiers may see the Indiana National Guard members traveling in communities and should not be alarmed.
Gov. Holcomb signed a joint letter from all three branches of government to local criminal justice leaders regarding the impact of COVID-19 on detention facilities.
o  The governor, Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray, House Speaker Todd Huston and Chief Justice Loretta Rush signed the letter which asks local judges, sheriffs, and county leaders to properly identify which low-risk, non-violent juveniles and inmates, if any, may be re-evaluated and released safely into their communities under pretrial, probation, or community corrections supervision. Click here to see the letter: https://www.in.gov/judiciary/files/covid19-2020-0403-release-assessment-local-effort.pdf
Six Bureau of Motor Vehicles branches will be open by appointment only beginning Monday, April 6 to process new Commercial Learner’s Permits (CLP), new Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL), and upgrade/downgrade for the CDL to add the tank vehicle or hazardous materials endorsement credential transactions.
o  These branches are opening for appointments to support the current critical need to increase the number of new licensed commercial truck drivers on the road delivering supplies and to aid in the start of agricultural season in our state. Click here to learn more: https://www.in.gov/bmv/files/pr-clp-cdl-appointment-only-hours.pdf
