"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.

  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.

  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'.

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

Please visit the news/resource page here.

  Indiana Small Business Development Center
  U.S. Small Business Association - Disaster Assistance

You may also consider registering to receive updates from the SBA.

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.

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/

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.

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.

  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.

  Review the City of Monticello - Local Disaster Emergency Declaration Executive Order No. 20-04 - May 4, 2020
  Lea la Declaración de Emergencia por Desastre Local de la Ciudad de Monticello, Orden Ejecutiva Núm. 20-04 - May 4, 2020
  Review the White County Commissioner's Executive Order No. 20-02:  White County Disaster Emergency Declaration
   Review the Governor's Back on Track Stage 2 document beginning May 4th here.

With the reported number of positive Coronavirus cases continuing to rise (having doubled over the past three days, and not expected to peak for another one to two weeks)  it is declared that a state of local emergency continues to exist in the City of Monticello.  With regard to Essential Retail and Commercial Businesses permitted to be open under Governor Holcomb's Executive Orders, the Mayor, City Councl and Board of Public Works and Safety orders:

1. Every person who enters such businesses, including business employees, must wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth.
2. Children under the age of sixteen (16) will not be allowed inside such businesses, unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.
3. Such businesses shall monitor and enforce these orders.
4. All those considered 'high-risk' are encouraged to avoid all public gatherings.
5. All persons are recommended to wear face coverings in all public settings.  Residents should also continue to practice social distancing and good hygiene.
6. This Executive Order is supplemental to Governor Holcomb's Executive Order No. 20-26 which all persons are recommended to review and obey.  Pursuant to Governor Holcomb's Order, retail and commercial businesses, including those that have been open for the neccessities of life during previous Governor's Executive Orders may operate at 50% of capacity.

The Executive Order will become effective at 12:01AM (EST) on Wednesday, May 6, 2020, upon the expiration of the Mayor's Executive Order of April 28, 2020, and will expire at 12:01AM (EST) on Wednesday, May 13, 2020.

  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.