Updated location on 11 Sept. 2020

Mark your calendar Monticello!  To show our appreciation to our local law enforcement the "Thank A Police Officer" Hog Roast will be held on Saturday, September 19th from 12PM-4PM.  The location of the event will be announced later.   Whiskey & Wine and Chapman’s BBQ will be roasting pulled pork sandwiches, smoked mac and cheese, and baked beans.  We will be serving complimentary meals and bottled water to ALL our law enforcement officers from 12pm Noon till 4pm. The general public can also purchase a meal for a minimum donation of $5.00. All proceeds will go to our local law enforcement programs.

  Click here for more details

  Take the 2020 Census

The City of Monticello, Indiana is participating in the U.S. Census 2020. Here are some brief facts about this year's census:

• The U.S. Constitution mandates a Census count must be held every ten years.
• The data is used to allocate federal dollars which have direct impact on planning for schools, transportation, health programs, and other community needs.
• Census data is also used to draw districts which translates to Congressional seats.
• The Census will be available in 13 different languages online.
• The Census Bureau will provide support in 59 different languages.
• It is safe and easy to complete.
• Your answers are confidential.

Your response is important to our city.  The data from the census is used to allocate federal money for schools, special transportation services, health programs and other needs within our community.  We urge everyone to respond to the Census, which can be securely and safely online.

Video Assistance (English):

Video Assistance (Español):

Video Assistance (American Sign Language ASL):

Shafer & Freeman Lakes Environmental Conservation Corporation (SFLECC) Issues low water warning

SFLECC Press Release - August 28, 2020

Lake Freeman is under a low water flow warning! If you are boating on the lake be aware of submerged objects that may be dangerously close to the surface of the water. If you have watercraft docked on Lake Freeman be aware of the lower water levels and take appropriate action to protect your watercraft. Low lake levels may make many docks and lifts unusable.

At this time, the SFLECC is in the middle of a lengthy battle in the Federal Court system, with no new information as of now. Our actions, if successful, will benefit you and your family in some way, whether you are an SFLECC licensee, other Lake property owner, Twin Lakes area resident, business owner, or occasional visitor.

Unfortunately, we do not see the current situation improving until there is significant rainfall in our watershed.

What can I do regarding the lake levels?

1.  Be Careful!

• The water levels have dropped significantly, creating many hazards.

2.  Contact Federal Representatives!

• https://www.young.senate.gov/contact
• https://www.braun.senate.gov/contact-mike
• https://baird.house.gov/services/casework/help-with-a-federal-agency.htm
  • Let them know the Endangered Species Act in which US Fish & Wildlife is enforcing is resulting in…in your own words describe how it is affecting your Lake Freeman experience.
  • Explain your damages if you have any to your property and property value concern.

3.  Support SFLECC’s appeal in Federal Court to overturn FERC’s decision to uphold US Fish & Wildlife’s mandate to drain Lake Freeman!


4.  Learn about mussels in Lake Freeman

• US Fish & Wildlife has determined there aren’t mussels in Lake Freeman that are on the endangered species list.

5.  Learn what is the SFLECC doing?

• We have spent over a half million dollars fighting this battle against the US Fish & Wildlife and are now in the Federal Court process. If you would like to contribute, we need your help!
  • https://checkout.square.site/pay/edcd3dc7f1d74c069f7ab44c51f1bdcc

State of Indiana Executive Order 20-40:  Child Care Matters and COVID-19
Orden Ejecutiva 20-40, "Asuntos de Cuidado Infantil

Governor Eric Holcomb in response to the COVID-19 Emergency and the opening of public schools has temporarily suspended regulatory statues as they relate to schools and child care programs.

Many school corporations have opted or been ordered to provide remote or e-learning rather than in-person instruction, leaving working parents in the lurch if their children remain at home.

On August 21st, he signed Executive Order 20-40, which allows school corporations to contract with organizations, such as the Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, to operate school-age childcare programs in locations in addition to public school buildings to help families who need care while their students engage in e-learning.

Additionally, the order increases the number from six to 10 of school-aged children allowed to gather in one location on school days for e-learning without requiring the childcare setting to be licensed.

Extension of Back on Track 4.5 and Mask Mandate

• State of Indiana Executive Order 20-42 - Extending Stage 4.5 (Back on Track through Sept. 25th)
• Orden Ejecutiva 20-42 - Vuelta a la Normalidad en Indiana: Tercera Continuación de la Etapa 4.5; Primero Extención al Requisito de Cobertura Facia

Declaration of Emergency (Extension)

• State of Indiana Executive Order 20-41 - Extending Public Health Emergency (through Sept. 25th)
•   Orden Ejecutiva 20-41 - Sexta Renovación de la Declaración de Emergencia de Salud Pública para el Brote de COVID-19

What Can Be Open Right Now?

• Personal services, Gyms, fitness centers, and other workout facilities can continue operations with restrictions.
• Restaurants dining room service may be open at 75% capacity while maintaining social distancing
• Bar Seating in restaurants may operate at 50% capacity while maintaining social distancing.
• Bars and nightclubs will open to 50% capacity while maintaining social distancing
• Retail stores will open at full capacity.
• Cultural, entertainment, and tourism sites (amusement parks/water parks will open at 50% capacity.  Reservations are encouraged to limit number of customers at any one time)
• Movie theaters and bowling alleys will open at 50% capacity while maintaining social distancing.
• Public playgrounds, community tennis and basketball courts, soccer and baseball fields, and similar facilities may resume.
• Amusement parks and water parks may open at 50% capacity.  A reservation system is recommended.
• Campgrounds may be open with social distancing limitations.
• Outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, birding, hunting, and bicycle riding are permitted.

What is Open in Stage 4.5?

• Festivals, fairs, and parades may open with restrictions.  See Indiana Guidelines

Guidelines During Stage 4.5

• Outdoor visitation must resume July 4 at assisted living facilities and nursing homes.
• Indoor visitations at assisted living facilities and nursing homes MAY resume on July 4.  Facilities not allowing indoor visits must have a plan for indoor visitation by Stage 5.
• Hospital Visitations encouraged with precautions.
• Social gatherings of 250 people may take place following the CDC social distancing guidelines
• Hoosiers 65 and over with high-risk health conditions should limit exposure in their communities.
• It is HIGHLY recommended that residents wear face coverings in public settings.
• There are no travel restrictions.

Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs awarded the City of Monticello and 23 rural Hoosier communities $15.3 million in federal grant funding to improve water infrastructure.  The City of Monticello was awarded $600,000 for water and sewer improvements. This project will

• upgrade 4,000 lineal feet of four-inch and six-inch water mains
• replace seven fire hydrants
• add eight new six-inch water valves.

"By investing in our state's water infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for regional growth and prosperity,” said Lt. Gov. Crouch. "These grants are supporting projects that are crucial to rural communities' continual economic development and improving the quality of life for its residents.”

Monticello Mayor Cathy Gross said, "The City of Monticello is excited to share this news. City leadership past and present worked together with our Water Superintendent, Rod Pool, KIRPC, Jason Miller of RMA, and Commonwealth Engineers to make this possible. We are looking forward to improving the water infrastructure in the NW quadrant of the city, with this grant we can leverage our own funds to provide better services for our community. Thank you to Lt Gov Crouch, and OCRA for providing this opportunity."

The State of Indiana distributes Community Development Block Grant funds to rural communities, which assist units of local government with various community projects such as: infrastructure improvement, downtown revitalization, public facilities and economic development.

  Download the Guide for Businesses:  Masks (Face Coverings), COVID-19, and the Americans with Disabilities Act

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the CDC and other reputable, scientific sources strongly recommend that in places where people will come into contact with individuals from outside their own household and social distancing cannot be consistently maintained, individuals should wear masks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Additionally, because confirmed positive cases are on the rise in Indiana, on July 24, 2020, Governor Eric J. Holcomb issued Executive Order 20-37, mandating masks that cover the nose and mouth be worn inside businesses and other indoor spaces in Indiana that are open to the public.

Executive Order 20-37 does provide, in Section 4, subsection c of Executive Order 20-37, that “any person with a medical condition, mental health condition or disability which prevents wearing a face covering” is exempt from the state’s mask mandate. However, it is not always readily apparent that a person has a disability, and stores—particularly national chains and smaller businesses in areas where surges are occurring—may have mask policies in place that are more stringent than those detailed in Executive Order 20-37.

The following guide has been created with the goal of clearing up confusion for businesses as they navigate compliance with the mask mandate, protecting themselves, their businesses, their customers and their employees, and applying CDC and Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) best practices guidelines, all while not running afoul of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

  Learn More - Download the Guide

"The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority has information available to Hoosiers who are struggling with rent, mortgage, and utility payments due to COVID-19, or may be facing eviction, foreclosure, or utility shut-offs now that moratoriums have expired. Click on the following links to find assistance:

• Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network: 877gethope.org
• Rental and Housing Assistance: IndianaHousingNow.org
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): https://www.in.gov/ihcda/4067.htm
• Coronavirus Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Guide: https://www.in.gov/ihcda/4464.htm
• Additionally, help may be available through Area IV Agency at: https://www.areaivagency.org/Home.aspx

The Governor has mandated the wearing of masks beginning Monday, July 27th. As White County is seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases, it is important that we all work together to get our schools open and our businesses back on track. I support the Governor in taking this step and am urging residents of Monticello, White County and Indiana to comply with the Governor’s order to "Mask Up".

Take a look back to our April 3rd "Be A Hero" video:



ASL Video of the 'Be A Hero' message (Katherine Tardiff, ADA/Title IV Coordinator)

The City of Monticello is asking our residents for assistance to complete this survey as we apply for an OCRA (Office of Community and Rural Affairs) grant that could provide over $240,000.00 in small business grant relief for businesses in Monticello with 20 or less employees.

The link to the survey is:  https://forms.gle/XdWa7uqoqqmM4kjB6

City leaders are re-opening city hall on Monday, July 13, 2020 at 8:00 am, with mitigation protocols in place. Visitors to city hall are required to wear face coverings if attending a meeting or plan to spend time in department offices.

White County is seeing confirmed cases increase, but not at an alarming rate so far. Of course, this is a very fluid situation and could change at any time.

We thank you for your cooperation as we all adjust to a new way of safely providing services to our residents. We will get through this together!

The City of Monticello will delay the re-opening of city offices for at least one week. This delay is part of our continuing effort to insure the safety of our employees and community as we see increased numbers in social gatherings and positive COVID-19 cases. City offices will continue to provide city services with essential personnel and through remote and virtual meetings.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation and remind you to "mask up" to keep yourself and others safe.

The City of Monticello is proud to announce $55,000.00 of loans assisting Monticello small businesses.  The monies, established by the 'Economic Development Income Tax Fund' (EDIT Fund), were earmarked to:

• promote employment opportunities
• and/or retain/expanding current businesses

The list of businesses receiving loans are:

• Alex's Apparel - Jeff Alexander
• Ashley's Massage & Yoga - Ashley Tincher
• Best's Bowling Center - Ryan and Melissa Best
• BJ's Nails - BJ Wray
• Buschman's Service Center - Paul and Shirley Buschman
• Day & Knight Fitness - Robert Phillips
• Down the Street Bar - Alex and Michelle Hughes
• Frankie Rupe School of Guitar - Frankie Rupe
• It's Just a Flesh Wound - Buddy Wicker
• Maximum Tan - Heather Crowe
• Monticello Community Radio, Inc. - Laura Page
• Necessities - Ingrid Landis
• New Directions Salon & Spa - Susan Alpha
• Pins & Needles on Main - Karen Tiede
• Reclaim Dames & An Udder Sensation - Sharon McKinley
• Rugies Dugout - Salina Vargus
• Skipper's Frozen Yogurt - Skip and Amy Sturgeon
• Slot Farms - Tracy Davidson
• Twin Lakes Cinema - Timothy Luby

Reopening Schedule

Updated June 4th, 2020

  Review entire Parks Reopening Schedule - June 2020 (Updated June 4th)

The Monticello Parks & Recreation Reopening Schedule is only a guide and may change based on direction given by the Governor, Mayor, and or Monticello Parks Board. How we proceed from here will ultimately be determined by our actions as a community and how they affect the containment/spread of this virus. It appears that our area of the state is lagging behind on the Coronavirus curve. With that said, in most areas, our plan will reflect a delayed Governor’s plan and will move forward as follows.

1. June 8th - Restroom facilities open to the public - This will allow time for seasonal park staff to be scheduled and restroom preparations for public use to be completed.
2. June 12th - Basketball courts / sand volleyball courts to be opened.
3. June 15th - Park playgrounds begin reopening as new surfacing is installed and initial cleaning of the playground equipment is completed.
4. July 4th – Reservation of park facility and field usage to resume – A signed waiver will be required for organized activities & reservations.
5. Parks programing will resume in July - Social distancing and face masks are required until further notice.
6. Trails remain open – Face masks are recommended.
7. Fishing piers and kayak docks remain open – Face masks are recommended while on site.

Monticello City Pool

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and concerns for the health and safety of pool patrons and their families, the Parks Board has made the difficult decision not to open the City Pool for the 2020 season. Park and Pool staff will be making improvements to the facility this season in preparation for opening in the Spring of 2021.

Personal Responsibility

It is important that all individuals utilizing playground equipment and park facilities acknowledge that COVID-19 may be present. All patrons must take personal precautions in preventing the contraction and/or spread of the virus. Social distancing, wearing face masks, and washing of hands before and after playing on parks equipment or utilizing park facilities are strongly recommended and are necessary in helping to contain and defeat this virus.

  Visit the Monticello-Union Township Public Library Website
  Monticello-Union Township Public Library Facebook Page
  Monticello-Union Township Public Library YouTube Channel

The Monticello-Union Township Public Library is pleased to announce the soft reopening plan for the library. On June 1st, the library will open to the public with limited hours. Patrons will be able to come in the library during these open hours, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. closed for cleaning and then open 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and closed for cleaning and then open from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. with Saturday open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This is a 30 minute grab and go situation. You have the ability to come in and use the facilities and check out materials in a convenient time frame. Masks are recommended. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The Library will monitor the number of people within the building.

For patrons who are not ready to come in the library, please feel free to continue using our Curbside Service. Patrons can call the library and request up to 10 items to be checked out. Staff will search for your items, then call you back to reserve a pick-up time. Staff will not accept returns from the vehicle; they will need to be returned to the book drop. Hours for Curbside will be during the limited hours, Monday – Friday, 10 am – 1 pm, 3 pm – 5 pm, Tuesday and Thursday 10 am – 1 pm, 3 pm – 7 pm, and Saturday 10 am to 2 pm.

All items being returned to the library will be placed into quarantine for 3 days and checked in on the 4th day. Due to this quarantine process, your account may not be current.

Thank you for your support during this time! For more information, please visit the library’s website for the full soft reopening plan. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the library at 574-583-2665. Visit our Facebook page for information on upcoming events and our YouTube channel to watch book reviews, storytimes, cooking, and exploring our resources.

  Review the Governor's Back on Track Indiana - Stage 3 Document (May 22nd - June 13th)

What Can Be Open Right Now?

• Campgrounds may be open with social distancing limitations.
• Restaurants and bars that serve food may be open at 50% capacity
• Retail stores may operate at 75% capacity. Examples include apparel, furniture, and jewelry stores.
• Community tennis and basketball courts, soccer and baseball fields, and similar facilities may be open with social distancing guidelines.
• Outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, birding, hunting, and bicycle riding are permitted.

What is Closed Right Now?

• Bars and nightclubs
• Cultural, entertainment, and venues
• Playgrounds
• Amusement parks, water parks, and tourism sites
• Festivals, fairs, and parades
• Movie theaters

Guidelines During Stage 3

• Social gatherings of 100 people may take place following the CDC social distancing guidelines
• Hoosiers 65 and over with high-risk health conditions should limit exposure in their communities.
• It is recommended that residents wear face coverings in public settings.
• There are no travel restrictions.

For the families of Twin Lakes School there will be an extra food distribution from the Twin Lakes School Pantry on Wednesday, March 18 from 2:00 to 6:00 at Woodlawn door 4. Contact Patty Godlove cell (765) 543-9188 with questions.

For those who would like to support the TL Food Pantry, the most efficient and effective donation is money. You can donate to Food Finders Food Bank and for donation purpose, type “Twin Lakes Schools Food Pantry”. The funds will go into an account for our pantry. During these uncertain times, let’s together lift up our entire community. Link to donation page: https://www.food-finders.org/give/

  Official "Light Monticello Blue for Essential Workers Day" Proclamation - City of Monticello
  Light Monticello Blue Printable Window Sign/Poster

On Monday, April 20th, Monticello Mayor Cathy Gross is announcing a proclamation asking all citizens to “Light Monticello Blue for Essential Workers.” Mayor Gross said, “The purpose of this proclamation is to honor and support essential workers that are risking their health during the COVID-19 Pandemic.” All essential workers are honored including the public safety & first responders, truck drivers, factory workers, postal/delivery personnel, and restaurant, grocery, retail and pharmacy workers.

Please demonstrate your support by “showing your blue” in your home, front yards, doorsteps, or businesses.

• Residents can use blue lights, ribbons, and holiday decorations.
• Children can make sidewalk chalk drawings or yard/window signs showing support.
• Encourage your family to have a ‘blue day’ and wear blue clothing, bandanas, or face paint.
• Everyone is also encouraged to post “Light It Blue” photos on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter (with the hashtags #LightItBlue and #INThisTogether) to show online support of health care workers, first responders, and essential workers.

“Light Monticello Blue for Essential Workers” will continue from April 20th thru April 30th, 2020. As essential workers travel the community or drive to/from work our ‘Light It Blue’ moments are small ways in which we can thank and recognize them.

Community partnerships continue to improve the lives of our residents, even as we go through the challenges that the COVID-19 coronavirus present.

Visual Edge IT and Lightstream have partnered with the Monticello City Parks to provide Free WiFi at the south end of the City Park from 8:00 am-7:00 pm to provide access for students and families that have no internet.

We are so blessed to have such actively engaged community partners that are willing in these uncertain times to provide a resource for our residents. Thank you is not sufficient.

  Read the Mayor's Proclamation on Mental Health
  Visit the new State of Indiana site 'Be Well Indiana' with a focus on Mental Health Support and Issues.

On May 1, 2020, Monticello Mayor Cathy Gross proclaimed May 2020 as Mental Health Month in our city.  She called upon the citizens, government agencies, public and private institutions, businesses and schools in the city to recommit our community to:

• increase the awareness and understanding of mental health
• to learn the steps our citizens can take to protect their mental health
• to focus the need for appropriate and accessible services for all people with mental health conditions

Citizens are encouraged to review the proclamation and visit the Be Well Indiana for an overview of Mental Health issues, assistance and support available.  The site also focuses on how the COVID-19 Pandemic and Mental Health are related.