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.

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

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.