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.

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.