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State Reports 41 More COVID-19 Deaths As Cases Top 9,500

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State Reports 41 More COVID-19 Deaths As Cases Top 9,500

| IL Staff

 

The Indiana State Department of Health on Thursday said the number of presumptive positive cases for COVID-19 in the state has risen to 9,542 after the emergence of 611 more cases and 41 deaths — the highest daily tolls in several days.

The state said Thursday that the death toll in the state rose to 477. The increased number of deaths include those since April 2 that were reported to the Health Department in the last 24 hours. Deaths and positive cases are not always reported immediately, which means the numbers can move inconsistently day today.

The state reported that 51,115 people have been tested so far, an additional 2,719 tests from Wednesday’s report. The ISDH said the test numbers reflect only those tests reported to the department and the numbers should not be characterized as a comprehensive total.

Marion County reported 3,320 cases and 164 deaths in Marion County. The state said 16,604 people have been tested in the county.

As for surrounding counties, Hamilton had 520 positive cases; Johnson 358; Hendricks 378; Madison 283; Boone 136; Hancock 127; Morgan 108; and Shelby 86.

Every Indiana county has at least one case.

Elsewhere, counties with at least 75 reported cases are: Lake (978), St. Joseph (306), Allen (224), Decatur (160), Clark (143), Porter (143), Floyd (125), Bartholomew (116), Elkhart (123), LaPorte (112), Monroe (102), Ripley (89), Delaware (85), Jackson (77) and Franklin (75).

The health department is now providing case updates daily online at noon based on results received through 11:59 p.m. the previous day.

Health officials say Indiana has far more coronavirus cases — possibly thousands more — than those indicated by the number of tests.

As of Tuesday morning, at least 629,264 cases had been reported in the United States, with 26,708 deaths, according to a running tally maintained by health researchers at Johns Hopkins University & Medicine. More than 47,763 people have recovered.

Meanwhile, Johns Hopkins’ global count of COVID-19 cases passed 2 million Thursday, with 2,090,110 cases confirmed and 139,469 deaths.

 

Midwest Governors Announce Partnership to Reopen Regional Economy

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Governors Eric J. Holcomb (IN), Gretchen Whitmer (MI), Mike DeWine (OH), Tony Evers (WI), Tim Walz (MN), JB Pritzker (IL), and Andy Beshear (KY) announced that they will work in close coordination to reopen the economy in the Midwest region.

The governors said, “We are doing everything we can to protect the people of our states and slow the spread of COVID-19, and we are eager to work together to mitigate the economic crisis this virus has caused in our region. Here in the Midwest, we are bound by our commitment to our people and the community. We recognize that our economies are all reliant on each other, and we must work together to safely reopen them so hardworking people can get back to work and businesses can get back on their feet.

“Today, we are announcing that Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky will work in close coordination to reopen our economies in a way that prioritizes our workers’ health. We look forward to working with experts and taking a fact-based, data-driven approach to reopening our economy in a way that protect families from the spread of COVID-19.

“Our number one priority when analyzing when best to reopen our economy is the health and safety of our citizens. We will make decisions based on facts, science, and recommendations from experts in health care, business, labor, and education.

“We will closely examine at least these four factors when determining when best to reopen our economy:

  • Sustained control of the rate of new infections and hospitalizations.
  • Enhanced ability to test and trace.
  • Sufficient health care capacity to handle resurgence.
  • And best practices for social distancing in the workplace.

“Phasing in sectors of our economy will be most effective when we work together as a region. This doesn’t mean our economy will reopen all at once, or that every state will take the same steps at the same time. But close coordination will ensure we get this right. Over time, people will go back to work, restaurants will reopen, and things will go back to normal. We look forward to working together as one region to tackle this challenge together.”

 

Weinzapfel Leading Fundraiser In AG Race, But Hill Still Ahead Of GOP Rivals

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Weinzapfel Leads Fundraising In AG Race, but Hill Still Ahead Of GOP Rivals

| Olivia Covington

 

Incumbent Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill continues to lead his Republican challengers in available funds for the 2020 election, though his war chest is less than both Democratic candidates vying to take his job.

First-quarter campaign finance filings show Hill had $80,173.46 as of March 31, compared to the $183,659.78 he finished with at the end of 2019.

Comparatively, Indianapolis attorney John Westercamp, the first to officially join the GOP race, finished the first quarter with $56,634.29, up from $38,646.42 at the end of 2019. Former Revenue Commission Adam Krupp, who joined the race in January,  reported first-quarter funds of $51,193.43.

In the Democratic race, former Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel continues to lead in fundraising, reporting funds of $662,724.13 in the first quarter. He ended 2019 with $609,310.24.

The bulk of Weinzapfel’s funds – $487,000 – came from a political action committee he created after he decided not to run for reelection in Evansville in 2011.

Democratic state Sen. Karen Tallian of Ogden Dunes is also in the six digits, reporting $101,528.69 in Q1. She ended 2019 with $144,159.09. The lawmaker also has $7,029.30 in Senate campaign funds.

Hill’s largest Q1 contribution came from the RAGA – Republican Attorneys General Association – Action Fund. The group, for which Hill serves on the Executive Committee, donated $25,000 to his 2020 campaign.

The incumbent AG also received contributions from several lawyers and law groups nationwide, as well as $1,000 from the Hoosier Beverage Association PAC. His first-quarter expenditures totaled $122,287.27.

As the fundraising leader, Weinzapfel’s largest contributions have come from the Northern Indiana Operators Joint Labor-Management PAC, the Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters COPE and a construction/engineering individual named Jeffrey Justice. Each contribution was $10,000.

Weinzapfel also received $1,500 from the Frost Brown Todd PAC and $250 from the Evansville law firm of Berger & Berger LLP, as well as thousands in monetary contributions from unions and labor organizations. Democratic State Reps. Sheila J. Klinker, Lafayette, and Matt Pierce, Bloomington, also contributed, donating $50 and $100, respectively.

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Weinzapfel’s expenditures were $125,222.74.

Tallian’s most recent large contribution came Dec. 26, 2019, from a man named James McKamey, listed as an “office and administrative” professional, who donated $15,000. She also received support from State Sen. Frank Mrvan, D-Hammond, who gave $100. Her expenses were $52,828.80.

Westercamp, an attorney with Bose McKinney & Evans, received $10,000 from his firm on March 30. He also received $10,000 from Kathleen Smith, listed as a “health care/medical” professional.

Political action committees for Rep. Tim Wesco and Sen. Eric Bassler, both Republicans, gave Westercamp $1,000 and $2,5000, respectively. He paid out $26,014.21 in expenses in Q1.

In his first campaign finance filings, Krupp reported his largest contribution, $10,000, came from Janet L. Coyle, an “office and administrative professional.” He also received $1,000 from the Frost Brown Todd PAC and reported the least amount of expenditures, $33,810.18.

None of these candidates will be on the ballot for Indiana’s primary, as both Democrats and Republican in Indiana select their AG candidates at their state conventions.

Already the Indiana Democrats have moved their convention online in light of COVID-19. The state’s primary itself has been moved from May to June to stem virus exposure.

The state Republican Party is still scheduled to meet in downtown Indianapolis in June, according to the Indianapolis Business Journal, though party chair Kyle Hupfer said they are looking into all options.

The candidates selected by each party will then proceed to the November general election, where their names will appear on the ballot.

It Is Time For Our Local Government To Fund Prevention Strategies

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During this unprecedented time, as we go all-in on flattening the COVID-19 curve, we must go all-in on preventing the consequences that are sure to follow. Our community is looking towards our local leaders, now more than ever before, for real answers, for our safety, for our livelihood.  After this, I hope that we can focus on the importance of supporting the mental health of our community.

Benjamin Franklin was fond of saying that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” but he was wrong.  Prevention is worth much more than that. I am meeting with law enforcement, school leaders, and healthcare professionals. It’s clear that prevention and early intervention of mental health and substance abuse problems will help meet the challenges of  our “new norm.”

 A recent study found that every dollar invested in effective prevention results in a savings of $18 in consequences. Or, if we had invested 4.5 million dollars in mental health and substance abuse prevention for our children 20 years ago, we would not need an 80 million dollar jail expansion today. That’s why, if elected to the Vanderburgh County Council, I will establish a commission to work with local leaders to strengthen our support of young people, promote access to care, and save taxpayer dollars.

       COVID-19 gives us an opportunity. It is time for our local government to fund prevention strategies that develop the skills and strengths for our young people to become healthy and productive citizens. If we don’t, I fear that we will be paying a very high price for generations to come.

Investing in our kids makes financial sense, but more importantly, it’s the right thing to do. When we invest in strengthening and educating our kids, we are investing in our future and demonstrating our values as Americans.

During this time, I hope you can reflect on the things that are most important to you and I hope you stay safe and healthy.

Sincerely,

Amy Back

EPD REPORT

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EPD REPORT

Gov. Holcomb Signs Executive Order To Support Pharmacists

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Governor Eric J. Holcomb today signed an executive order to allow pharmacy students who have successfully completed all required course work to join the fight against COVID-19.

The executive order 20-21 allows those pharmacy students to apply for a temporary license with the Professional Licensing Agency. Also under the executive order, health care providers who cannot meet in-person continuing education requirements this year can do so via distance learning.

As allowed by the federal CARES Act, the executive order permits state employees, county employees, teachers, and other public employees who have a defined contribution account to access funds without penalty if they have been affected by COVID-19.

Gov. Holcomb previously extended the deadline for property tax payments under executive order 20-05. Executive order 20-21 extends the deadline for all other fees included on the property tax bill.

 

Ivy Tech Community College Offers Online Express Enrollment Day

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Ivy Tech Community College will host an online Express Enrollment event on Thursday, April 30, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. via Zoom. Summer and Fall registration is now open.

This free event is designed to assist interested individuals in completing the enrollment process, potentially all in one day, all from the safety of their home, virtually.

At the event, students will have the opportunity to:

  • Complete the FAFSA or have their financial aid questions answered.  Also, students can learn more about aid such as grants, scholarships, and loans.
  • Determine what assessments may be needed to enroll.
  • Learn about our programs.
  • Meet with an academic advisor.
  • Register for classes.

Students should be prepared with the following documents:

  • Government-issued ID
  • Tax information for 2017 if enrolling for summer, and 2018 if enrolling for fall (Ivy Tech code 009917)
  • SAT/ACT/PSAT scores or High School and/or College Transcripts – if available
  • An idea of what he/she would like to study

Interested individuals must RSVP to ivytech.edu/EEVirtual in order to receive the Zoom meeting details by visiting.

 

EPA at 50: EPA Celebrates 50 Years of Earth Day

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 As part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 50th anniversary commemoration, the agency is kicking off its monthly series with a look at the history of Earth Day in America.

In Spring 1970, Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson created Earth Day as a way to bring national attention to the environmental challenges of the time, prompting 22 million Americans to take part in demonstrations urging action for clean air, land, and water.

“For 50 years, Earth Day has brought people together to take action to clean up our beaches, parks, rivers, and communities,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “When Earth Day began in 1970, Americans faced a drastically different environment than we do today. I am proud of the work our Nation has done, and continues to do, to be a leader in clean air and clean water progress.”

Over the last 50 years all environmental indicators across the nation have improved and continue to improve. For example,

  • In 1970, more than 40 percent of the nation’s drinking water systems failed to meet even the most basic health standards.
  • Today, over 92 percent of community water systems now meet all health-based standards, all the time.
  • America continues to be a leader in clean air progress, by reducing the six main criteria air pollutants by 73 percent.
  • Doubling to 86 percent the number of low-income communities achieving attainment with EPA’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards since 2008.
  • In the past three years alone, 38 areas have moved from nonattainment to attainment.
  • And EPA’s successful superfund and brownfields programs are bringing opportunity back to communities.
  • Last year EPA delisted more superfund sites then any year since 2001.

Since the first Earth Day in 1970, EPA has played a key role in hosting, coordinating, and participating in the annual event. As we continue to observe CDC guidance to stem the spread of COVID-19, and out of an abundance of caution, EPA will offer ways to participate in Earth Day activities and education online through EPA social media channels, including at-home activities for children. To promote public recognition of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we are also inviting everyone to participate by drawing pictures and making signs recognizing Earth Day to hang in the windows of their homes to celebrate with neighbors and their community. A printable sign is also available here. Those who wish to share pictures of their artwork are welcome to do so on social media using the hashtag #EarthDayAtHome, #EarthDay2020, and #EPAat50.

Nonprofits In The Wake Of COVID-19

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Nonprofits In The Wake Of COVID-19

Nonprofits face real and intense challenges as they deal with the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the most basic level, nonprofits experience the same direct economic effect that all organizations are experiencing. However, the effect on communities can be even more deeply rooted and profound.

Approximately 1 in 10 Americans work for a nonprofit, and the nonprofit sector is the third-largest industry in the United States after retail and hospitality. Loss of income affects those employees, their families, the people they help in their communities and the economy as a whole.

We see nonprofits both affected and reacting in different ways. For example, locally, Ark Crisis Children’s Center, which provides childcare to vulnerable families, has shifted services to adjust to a new community need to care for children normally in school while parents are working. Other organizations have been forced to close temporarily, leaving vulnerable workers without gainful employment and recipients without the services they count on.

Some nonprofits have expanded their mission to meet the times. For example, The Catholic Diocese of Evansville converted their retreat house to a self-isolation center for the homeless. Nonprofits, such as United Caring Services, have continued to operate, but under new protocols that place greater reliance on staff and clients in the absence of volunteers.

During events like the current pandemic, we see nonprofits challenged but also looking for and seizing opportunities. For some nonprofits, this event will strengthen its mission and call for action. We also see individuals looking for ways to support others in times like this, and they often turn to nonprofits to do that.

UE Men’s Basketball Adds Three To 2020 Squad

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Aces Add To The Talented Mix for 2020-21

University of Evansville head men’s basketball coach Todd Lickliter has announced the addition of three student-athletes who will begin their Purple Aces careers in the fall of 2020.

Included in Lickliter’s first signing class at the helm of the UE program is freshman Trey Hall along with transfers Jax Levitch and Emmette Page.

“I am excited to officially welcome our three newest Aces – Emmette, Jax, and Trey – to the University of Evansville community,” Lickliter exclaimed.  “They each possess the excellent skill, offensive, and defensive versatility and a much-appreciated team-first attitude.  Our future goals are very ambitious and I know the addition of Emmette, Jax, and Trey will be a tremendous asset as we strive to reach those goals.”

Trey Hall

A 6-foot-7 power forward out of Willimantic, Connecticut, Trey Hall will join the Aces squad as a freshman.  Most recently, Hall played at Link Year Prep in Branson, Missouri where he finished with 14 points and 7 rebounds per game.

Before heading to Missouri, Hall played at New Hampton Prep in New Hampshire.  He recorded an average of 15 points and 10 caroms on his way to All-Conference accolades as a freshman and sophomore.  Hall garnered All-State honors in his second season while guiding the team to a 40-3 record in those two seasons.  He also played for the Expressions of the EYBL (Elite Youth Basketball League) where he averaged 10 points and 7 boards.

Jax Levitch

Louisville native Jax Levitch joins the UE squad as a graduate transfer.  Most recently, he played at UNC Asheville where he was named a 2019-20 Big South All-Academic performer.  The top effort for the 6-7 forward was an 11-point, 9-rebound game against The Citadel in November.

Levitch began his college career at Purdue Fort Wayne where started all 33 games as a sophomore in 2017-18.  He averaged 5.5 points and 4.1 rebounds that season while setting his season mark with 14 points in a win over Liberty.  In his freshman campaign with the Mastodons, Levitch played in 25 games.  Prior to his college career, he played at Trinity High School in Louisville before spending a postgraduate year at the Elev8 Sports Institute.

Emmette Page

Emmette Page joins the Evansville program from Northeast Community College in Nebraska.  As a sophomore during the 2019-20 season, Page led the Hawks with 21.9 points per game.  An accurate shooter – Page finished the year shooting 45.0% from the field and 84.6% from the free-throw line.  In seven conference games, he kept up that efficiency, posting 19.7 points.  He left the school with the most points in program history with 1,098 while setting the single-season mark with 658.  Page was a 2-time Second Team All-Region XI honoree.

The 6-2 guard from Crystal, Minnesota average 15.7 PPG in his freshman season at Northeast while averaging our assist.  In his time at Osseo High School, he helped his team to records of 21-8 and 25-7 on his way to Offensive Player of the Year accolades.  Page set the single-game scoring record at Osseo with 43.

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