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

• NEW!  Due to the increase in COVID-19 cases in certain neighboring counties, the City of Monticello and White County has amended and extended its emergency declaration.  The declaration is now extended until May 6th, 2020.  Review City Declaration   |   County Declaration
• REVIEW!  Mayor Gross and Our Hometown Heroes on the importance and now required use of face masks.  English/Español Version   |   ASL Version
• LEARN!  How to make face masks for your family.
• REVIEW!  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 asks community members to Light Monticello Blue!  See how you can honor your hometown heroes.  April 20th-April 30th.
• Please Stay at Home, Stay Safe, and Save Lives.

UPDATED MAY 5, 2020  5:15PM

With the spike in COVID-19 cases within White County, the City of Monticello released a new Local Disaster Emergency Declaration:  Executive Order No. 20-04 of May 4, 2020.  This order expires at 12:01 Wednesday, May 13th.  The order expands the Governor's Stage 2 Order in two areas: Face Masks and Children Entering Businesses.

  Review a news summary of the executive order here.
  Review the City of Monticello Executive Order Extension here.
  Review the White County Executive Order Extension here.
  Review the Governor's Back on Track Stage 2 document beginning May 4th here.

The following is a summary of the Back on Track Indiana Stage 2 proposal beginning tomorrow, Monday, May 4th with the City/County Executive Order included.

Beginning May 4th

• People who are 65 and older along with those having high-risk health conditions should stay home.
• Everyone is encouraged to wear face masks in public.  Residents should also continue to practice social distancing and good hygiene.
• Social gatherings can be up to 25 people as long as there is social distancing.
• Essential travel restrictions will be lifted.
• Remote work encouraged to continue wherever possible.
• Manufacturers, industrial operations and other infrastructure that has not been open to date - can reopen.
• Half of BMV branches will reopen Monday with more in the coming weeks - appointment only.
• Public libraries can reopen according to their own policies and local/CDC guidelines

Beginning May 6th

• City of Monticello Local Disaster Emergency Declaration:  Executive Order No. 20-04 of May 4, 2020 will begin.
• Every person who enters a business, including business employees, must wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth. 
• Children under the age of sixteen (16) will not be allowed inside such businesses, unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. 
• Retail and commercial businesses will be allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity.

Beginning May 8th

• Religious services (statewide – no exceptions) may convene inside places of worship. Updated guidance will be coming.
• A religious service will need to comply with social distancing - seating spaced apart. It is recommended for people to wear face coverings.
• Churches will not be subject to the 25 person social gathering limitation.
• They are encouraged to conduct as many activities as possible virtually and potentially add more services to allow for smaller groups.

Beginning May 11th

• Personal services like hair salons can reopen by appointment only and with social distancing.
• Restaurants can reopen at 50 percent capacity. People will need to sit at small tables and not at the bar.

Beginning May 13th

• City of Monticello Local Disaster Emergency Declaration:  Executive Order No. 20-04 of May 4, 2020 will expire.

The following remains closed during Stage 2

• K-12 and other educational buildings
• No visitors to nursing homes or funerals
• Bars and nightclubs
• Gyms
• Community centers
• Venues including:
  • sport
  • fairs
  • theme parks
  • movie theaters
  • bowling alleys
  • wedding
  • funeral
• Basketball courts, playgrounds, water parks and swimming pools
• Campgrounds
• Adult day cares remain closed through May 31
• Casinos

  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.

  Official "Light Monticello Blue for Essential Workers Day" Proclamation - City of Monticello

On Monday, April 20th, Monticello Mayor Cathy Gross asked 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.

Today as we close the official #LightItBlue campaign, we wish to again honor, support and thank our essential workers during the current COVID-19 crisis.

The symbol selected to show our thanks was prepared for the Monticello Police Department by the CDC Group Residence on Countrybrook Drive.  They created a wreath with all of the officers names on it.  The Police and Fire Department made a special visit to them on Tuesday.

Let this wreath continue to show our support to all essential workers and volunteers whether protecting our city, stocking our shelves, or making cloth masks.  You are appreciated ... each one of you.

THANK YOU!

  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.

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.

  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.

3/13/2020

Press Release from the Office of Mayor Cathy Gross

Subject: Coronavirus and Flu Prevention

The City of Monticello cares about our residents, employees, and guests.

The Coronavirus is a type of virus that includes symptoms of fever, muscle aches, fatigue, cough and shortness of breath. It will more quickly infect those that are already health compromised like older adults, those already sick, or anyone with a weakened immune system. Like most other viruses, it is spread through human contact. For this reason, practicing the following precautions could help limit your risk of exposure:

• Wash your hands, starting with your fingertip, often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• Use hand sanitizer correctly
• Keep your distance - particularly from others who might be sick (6+ feet is recommended)
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash; or cough or sneeze into your arm or shoulder
• Stay home if you don't feel well
• Call your health care provider and follow their instructions. If your health insurance has the option for Teladoc or other online capabilities, please take advantage of that service.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) the COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking water. Conventional water treatment methods that use filtration and disinfection, such as those in most municipal drinking water systems, should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.

You can find more information at:
Indiana State Department of Health. https://www.in.gov/isdh/28470.htm
Center for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

We will continue to monitor the situation, and provide updates as necessary. We will also post updates on our city website: http://www.monticelloin.gov

Mayor Cathy Gross
City of Monticello

  Review and Download the Press Release

The City of Monticello has opened a page with COVID-19 resources and news affecting people with disabilities in our community.  In addition to this page, we encourage you to visit the following sites:

Please visit the news/resource page here.

  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.

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.

  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.

  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!  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:

  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.

  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.

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!

  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.