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.

  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.

This video in American Sign Language (ASL) contains information from Mayor Cathy Gross, Fire Chief Galen Logan, and Chief of Police Jason Lingenfelter. Topics include the new mask policy for city employees, what residents can do to protect themselves, and how the police department is changing its procedures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus while still protecting and serving our community.

  UPDATE!  Great resource posted by White County United Way.  It will be updated often at their website.  Review and download this information directory.

NEW! ADA/Title VI Coordinator, Katherine Tardiff presents the Mayor's Message, "Hometown Heroes" in American Sign Language (ASL).  View it here or on YouTube.

• NEW!  Governor Holcomb said that they will be able to reopen the state economy in early May.  But tt will be a slow process that is done in parts.
• NEW!  ISDH (Indiana State Dept. of Health) said it was cautiously optimistic that the efforts made so far are flattening the curve.  There is hope that Indiana could see a reduction in cases in the coming days.  ISDH said many regions of the state are seeing a drop in COVID-19 cases
• UPDATE!  Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb has extended the State Emergency Declaration to May 5th, 2020.  In order to continue to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Governor is ordering Hoosiers to stay at home for two more weeks beyond the original April 7th deadline to April 20th. The Governor is expected to update the 'Stay at Home' order on his afternoon briefing, Monday, April 20th.  Review the updated Governor's Order.
  • Review the FAQs about the 'Stay at Home' order.
• Mayor Gross and our city heroes ask you to be a hero, too.  Please review this publich health and safety message.  Stay at Home, Stay Safe, and Save Lives.

Twin Lakes School Lunch Pick-up has been suspended until further notice.

The CDC, the State of Indiana, and White County are receiving a lot of questions regarding church services conducting drive-in services, especially with Easter upcoming. While online virtual services are preferred and encouraged to provide the best protection against transmission of the virus, drive-in services will not violate the order as long as CDC Social Distancing and group gathering guidelines are followed. That means a number of restrictions which may include but are not limited to:

• cars must be spaced out
• no passing of communion or collection plates
• no groups of 10 people together out of their cars
• no utilizing the building for restrooms which would invite hundreds to use door handles, etc.

  Review latest executive order here.

Summary

As a part of this action, Gov. Holcomb also extended for two weeks the orders that limit in-person public activity at state government offices and put restrictions on the operation of restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

While the Stay At Home order chiefly continues as is, modifications and restrictions have been made to limit interactions among people. Here are some highlights of EO 20-18:

• Retail businesses (A list of such businesses is included in the executive order) that provide necessities of life may remain open but should:
  • limit the number of customers in the establishment at any given time
  • implement hours for elderly and other vulnerable populations
  • limit hours of operation to restock and clean
  • comply with all mitigation measures to protect employees and the public.
• All other retail business may remain open if they restrict sales to online or call-in ordering with delivery or curbside pickup.
• Professional services should be conducted virtually or by telephone.
• All campgrounds will be closed except for those who use recreational vehicles or cabins as their primary residence.
• State parks remain open to daily visitors.
• Hoosiers are reminded that all public and private gatherings of any kind that include more than 10 people are prohibited.

  NEW!  Great resource posted by White County United Way.  It will be updated often at their website.  Review and download this information directory.

• NEW!  Mayor Gross and our city heroes ask you to be a hero, too.  Please review this publich health and safety message.  Stay at Home, Stay Safe, and Save Lives.
• UPDATE!  Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb has extended the State Emergency Declaration to May 5th, 2020.  In order to continue to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Governor is ordering Hoosiers to stay at home for two more weeks beyond the original April 7th deadline to April 20th.   Review the updated Governor's Order.
  • Review the FAQs about the 'Stay at Home' order.

In-Person School Classes Ended for School Year.  Gov. Eric Holcomb declared an end to in-person classes in Indiana schools for this school year at his daily briefing Thursday.  Schools will remain closed through the rest of the school year. Schools must switch to remote learning.  After the governor's announcement, the IHSAA said the spring sports season would be canceled.


Twin Lakes School Lunch Pick-up is Monday, April 6th.  Please click link below to fill out request form.  Each child 18 and under will receive a 10 Meal Pack (5 breakfasts/5 lunches) intended to cover the Week of April 6th-10th.  Because of recent state and federal guideline changes, distribution will ONLY happen at ROOSEVELT MIDDLE SCHOOL this week.

Click to fill and submit your lunch Pick-up Form.

NEW!  The CDC (Fed. Govt.) has increased its 15 days to Slow the Spread to 45 days.  The latest update to the 15 day warning shows the additional 30 days.

Review the update:  30 Days to Slow the Spread

  NEW!  Great resource posted by White County United Way.  It will be updated often at their website.  Review and download this information directory.

• NEW!  US Chamber of Commerce has released a fact sheet about emergency loans provided to small businesses.  A simple overview can be reviewed by clicking here.
• Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb updated plans to reduce the spread of COVID-19 ordering Hoosiers to stay at home.  The order is in effect from March 25 to April 7.   Review the Governor's Order.
  • Review the FAQs about the 'Stay at Home' order.
• Mayor Cathy Gross has declared a pulbic health/local disaster emergency.  Review the full announcement here.

Reminders to all, we are still in the beginning stages of the 'Slow the Spread' and Indiana's 'Stay at Home' order.  New information from the CDC is available.  We encourage you to review:



Let's end this update with a little lighthearted, but important message:

Click to review the 15 Days to Slow the Spread Document

Updated March 30, 2020 to reflect latest information from the White House and CDC

The White House and CDC (Fed. Govt.) released Coronavirus Guidelines for America.  The goal of this communication is to slow the spread of the Coronavirus over the next 15 days. The communication highlights:

• health guidelines
• work and schools
• social gatherings
• bars/restaurants
• discretionary travel
• visiting nursing homes
• asst. living facilities
• practicing good hygiene

It is important for all citizens to review this document and share it with friends and neighbors.

  Review the White County Health Department Notice - 2nd Case March 30, 2020 at 2:15PM

  Review the White County Health Department Notice - 1st Case March 27, 2020 at 5:19PM

The City of Monticello has just been notified that White County has its first and second confirmed case of COVID-19. This official notice does not change any of the Mayor’s Executive Orders.

This reaffirms the Governor’s Executive Orders and reinforces the need for all of us to stay at home.

Stay Home, Stay Safe, & Healthy.

Governor Eric J. Holcomb today signed a new executive order in a continuing effort to slow the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Click here to see the executive order: https://www.in.gov/gov/2384.htm

Gov. Holcomb outlined these new additional efforts in the executive order:

• The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has suspended the one-week waiting period that is required before paying unemployment benefits to allow claimants to receive their checks more quickly. The suspension is retroactive to March 8, 2020.
• Hoosiers with chronic health issues will be able to receive a 90-day supply of their non-controlled prescription medication, such as insulin or cholesterol medications.
• Medicaid recipients can use their benefits to cover costs of using alternate forms of transportation, such as ride-sharing services, for appointments to see their healthcare providers.
• The Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) has additional funding flexibility to allow for additional home delivery of meals and certain restrictions on time/sibling requirements to child care homes.
• The Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) has extended deadlines related to local government finances including property tax exemption applications.

  Great resource posted by White County United Way.  It will be updated often at their website.  Review and download this information directory.

• Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb gave a new address at noon Monday updating plans to reduce the spread of COVID-19 ordering Hoosiers to stay at home.  The order is in effect from March 25 to April 7.   Review the Governor's Order.
  • Review the FAQs about the 'Stay at Home' order.
• Mayor Cathy Gross has declared a pulbic health/local disaster emergency.  Review the full announcement here.

Business Assistance

• Patroncity is a crowdsourcing/fundraising website specifically geared toward small communities especially during the COVID-19 'Stay at Home' order. 
• The GoFundMe.org Small Business Relief Fund will provide micro-grants to qualifying small businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

• The state is encouraging small businesses struggling at this time to apply for up to $2 million in loans from the federal government. You can find more information on how to apply by clicking here.

Our neighbors need us. From the service professionals without childcare to the small business owners experiencing loss of income, we see the mounting pressure of community recovery ahead.

We are here to help.

The White County United Way Board of Trustees has elected to establish a Community Relief Fund to support those agencies and programs who are most impacted by the closures and increased demand for services.

If you would like to make a donation to this discretionary community fund, please follow the links on this page to submit payment to our PayPal portal. Between March 19 and the end of the State of Emergency, all donations made through our online links to PayPal will be earmarked for community-based relief of the negative effects of our Covid-19 Emergency. We thank you for your contributions and your dedication to our community in these trying times.

Together, we win!

Small Business Assistance Websites/Documents

Please update your business information.  The State of Indiana and the Small Business Association have updated their information area offering assistance to small businesses.  This information changes often.  Currently:

• A standing program that can still be utilized is the Economic Disaster Loan Program, can be up to $2 million as long as the applicant is credit worthy--direct or indirectly affected by covid-19.
• Express Bridge loans up to $25,000 for businesses that currently have relationships with Express Lenders, this is quicker & requires less paperwork
• Forgivable loans may be coming but no definitive guidance yet. Businesses can visit: https://www.sba.gov/coronavirus

Patroncity Crowdsourcing Offer

Patroncity is a crowdsourcing/fundraising website specifically geared toward small communities especially during the COVID-19 'Stay at Home' order. 

Patronicity is working to keep vital organizations alive. Patroncity is waiving all fees on small business non-matched crowdfunding campaigns that go live before May 15th. Knowing that cash flow is important, we’ll allow rolling funds distribution before the campaign ends. Our team will provide free coaching, helping small business owners walk through the steps of the campaign, and help develop creative fundraising ideas (i.e. gift cards, online services, etc) that will help engage their community.

Resources for Small Businesses:

• Learn how to create a crowdsourced campaign
• Review Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
• Learn best practices in setup and rollout of your crowdsourced campaign (PDF)

Small Business Relief Fund

The GoFundMe.org Small Business Relief Fund will provide micro-grants to qualifying small businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Small Business Relief Fund is part of the Small Business Relief Initiative : a program supported by
GoFundMe, Yelp, and Intuit QuickBooks. The Small Business Relief Initiative will supply financial assistance and support to businesses across the country by providing grants, tools, and resources to help during the crisis.

The Small Business Relief Fund will provide one-time matching grants to qualifying small businesses to help alleviate the financial burdens during these pressing times. Donations to the relief fund will be paid out as grants to businesses that qualify.

To qualify for a matching grant from the Small Business Relief Fund:
a.  Start a GoFundMe Fundraiser and raise at least $500
b.  Verify that your small business has been negatively impacted by a government mandate due to the COVID-19 pandemic
c.  Verify your small business is independently owned and operated, and must not be nationally dominant in your field of operation.

Each recipient of the matching grant must intend on using the funds to help care for your employees or pay ongoing business expenses.

Resources

• Small Businesses - Learn about GoFundMe Small Business Relief.  Click top links for information about GoFundMe and how to start fundraising.
• Individuals - You can help 3 ways
  • Find a local business to donate to (site is currently overloaded .. if an error, return later)
  • Start a GoFundMe fundraiser for a local business (see above)
  • Donate to the GoFundMe Small Business Relief Fund (see right side) to support many small business across the country
• Corporations can make donations to the fund.  To learn how you can be a part of this movement scroll to the bottom of this page.

  Review Governor's Stay at Home Order - Pages 5-8 list all essential businesses

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb gave a new address at noon Monday updating plans to reduce the spread of COVID-19 ordering Hoosiers to stay at home.  Hoosiers are mandated to  stay at home between March 25, 2020-April 20, 2020 unless they work for an essential business or are traveling to an essential business.

  Click for frequently asked questions concerning the 'Stay at Home Order'.

  Review Governor's Stay at Home Order - Pages 5-8 list all essential businesses

Update April 20, 2020

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb gave a new address at noon Monday updating plans to reduce the spread of COVID-19 ordering Hoosiers to stay at home.

The order is in effect from March 25 to May 1st.

Hoosiers should stay in their homes except when they are at work or for permitted activities, such as taking care of others, obtaining necessary supplies, and for health and safety.

“The next two weeks are critical if we are to slow the spread of COVID-19, and we must slow the spread. You must be part of the solution, not the problem,” said Gov. Holcomb.

  Great resource posted by White County United Way.  It will be updated often at their website.  Review and download this information directory.

• Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb gave a new address at noon Monday updating plans to reduce the spread of COVID-19 ordering Hoosiers to stay at home.  The order is in effect from March 25 to April 7.   Review the Governor's Order.
  • Review the FAQs about the 'Stay at Home' order.
• Mayor Cathy Gross has declared a pulbic health/local disaster emergency.  Review the full announcement here.
• Indiana Primary Election has been postponed from Tuesday, May 5th to Tuesday, June 2nd.  Review the full announcement here.

City

• Beginning Tuesday, March 24th, only essential city employees will be in offices.

  Review the Mayor's Press Release declaring emergency - March 22, 2020 (Updated March 24, 2020)

Monday, March 23, 2020

Mayor Cathy Gross, City of Monticello, has updated the declaration to include a notice about City Employees.  This addition was made following the Governor's 'Stay at Home' Executive Order.  Please click above link for updated declaration.
 
Sunday, March 22, 2020

Mayor Cathy Gross, City of Monticello, is declaring a public health/local disaster emergency effective Sunday, March 22, 2020 following the lead of the White County Board of Commissioners.

There is a local disaster/emergency throughout the city, specifically linked to the spread of COVID-19.

Monticello and its departments will continue to cooperate with White County, the Indiana State Department of Health, the State of Indiana and other local governments and organizations in their efforts to address this health emergency.

The purpose of this declaration is to facilitate future financial reimbursement, funding assistance, supplies and other assistance as are made available through the State and Federal Government due to the health emergency.

The City of Monticello reminds everyone to continue to maintain a high level of awareness as to the appropriate measures to protect against the spread of the virus.  "Social Distancing" remains critical for success.  We will continue to work together to protect our residents and employees.

  Great resource posted by White County United Way.  It will be updated often at their website.  Review and download this information directory.

The Governor is extending the State of Emergency in Indiana to May 5th.  The Governor's order includes information on unemployment insurance, housing, social services, veterans, etc.  Please take time to review the March 19th Governor's Order summarized here.

This afternoon, the Governor working with the State of Indiana Party Chairs have agreed to move the date of this year's Indiana Primary Election from Tuesday, May 5th to Tuesday, June 2nd.  Review the full announcement here.

Local

The City of Monticello has opened a web page with COVID-19 News and Resources concerning people with disabilities.

Twin Lakes School Corporation - Free Grab and Go Lunches for the entire next week will have a pickup on Monday, March 23rd.  Please click and fill out form to reserve lunches for next week (Link active until midnight on Sunday).

Resources
For those of you who want to dig deeper on the Coronavirus.  A YouTube video discussing the spread, attack and diagnostics of this virus strain.  The first 10-15 minutes is interesting.