WVC virtualizes classes, suspends all on-campus events

Beginning March 16, Wabash Valley College professors will transition all classes to an online format. The Illinois Community College Board is also requiring the closure of all adult-education programs through March 30.

Faculty and staff will remain on campus to assist students with any difficulties they may have in transitioning to an online learning format. Students are encouraged to contact their professors or the Student Services department by phone or email and to visit campus as a last resort.

The Bauer Media Center library/Learning Resource Center will only be available to WVC students, faculty and staff during this time. The LRC will restrict traffic to 15 patrons at a time, including their three staff members, and will close at 4:30 p.m. until further notice.

Additionally, all on-campus events are suspended until April 10, and campus buildings will close at 6 p.m. daily.

Small World will remain open at this time. The staff at Small World has taken extra precautions at entrance and departure. Children and staff will be checked daily for signs of health concerns and their temperature will be taken prior to entrance daily. Tuition will be waived this semester for those not attending. No new children will be allowed to enroll or attend unless prior authorization was given prior to March 1.

The fitness center and pool will remain operational during this time, pending further mandates. The Red Café will also remain operational, though only offering carry-out services. There will be no dine-in option for The Red Café, per the governor’s directive.

The National Junior College Athletic Association has canceled all spring sports and the women’s national basketball tournament.

Allendale School Comes Together To Feed Kids

On Monday, March 16th, Allendale School started their free meal service to all children between the ages of 0 and 18.  We served 109 lunches and 100 breakfasts to the children in the school community.  Allendale School would like to thank the following personnel for helping on our first day:  Sarah Courter, Karla McCowen, Evelyn Newell, Lee Campbell, Dena Tarpley, Audrey McGee, Brittany Weiss, Ellen Grounds, and Bryan and Michele Loeffler.  Other faculty/staff members will be helping over the next several days.  Mr. Bowser is extremely proud of the faculty/staff, as well as the school community, in how they have come together to make the best of this difficult time and feed the children of the community.

COVID-19 Affecting Wabash County Court Schedule

Administrative Order issued for Wabash County Circuit Court.

Indiana Gov. Holcomb Announces More Steps to Slow the Spread of COVID-19

INDIANAPOLIS — In a continuing effort to slow the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Governor Eric J. Holcomb has announced additional efforts.

 The governor and other state officials will conduct a COVID-19 briefing today at 2:30 p.m. in the south atrium of the Indiana Statehouse with the latest updates on testing and cases.

 Here are additional directives from Governor Holcomb.

• Indiana will adhere to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for large events and mass gatherings. The guidance recommends no in-person events of more than 50 people. Here is a link to the guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/large-events/mass-gatherings-ready-for-covid-19.html

• Under the current guidance for schools, 273 public school districts are closed, using e-learning days, or on spring break and have announced a future closure. The Department of Education is working with the remaining 16 school corporations to determine their next steps and needs

• Bars, nightclubs and restaurants are required to close to in-person patrons and may provide take-out and delivery services through the end of March

• Hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers should cancel and/or postpone elective and non-urgent surgical procedures immediately. This action will help the healthcare system conserve resources and personnel necessary to meet emerging health needs

  • Physicians should continue to perform critical procedures necessary to prevent short-term and/or long-term adverse effects to their patients’ overall health

• The state’s Emergency Operations Center has been raised to a Level 1 status and will work in conjunction with the incident command center at the Indiana State Department of Health for planning, coordination, predictive analysis and other functions

• State employees will maximize the use of remote work and meet virtually whenever possible while maintaining operations. Non-essential in-person meetings will be limited to 10 persons or less and should meet virtually whenever possible. High-risk individuals should not attend meetings in person

• State employees over the age of 60 with underlying health conditions are advised to work from home, and agencies should identify work that can be accomplished remotely for those individuals

• The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, which are closed on Mondays, will close to the public beginning Tuesday

• The visitors center at White River State Park will close

• Indiana state parks and recreation centers, including state park inns, remain open. Restaurants will convert operations to take-out and delivery

• State agencies already are developing remote work plans for employees and will continue to implement them while maintaining necessary state services. Employees who work outdoors are encouraged to practice social distancing

• The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has suspended rules requiring certain unemployment insurance claimants to physically appear at a Work One location to engage in reemployment services for the next four weeks. This will ensure that individuals who may be symptomatic do not have to physically appear to continue their unemployment insurance eligibility

  • The DWD will also request flexibility under federal and state law to expand eligibility for claimants and ease burdens on employers.

• The Indiana Economic Development Corporation will postpone the inaugural Indiana Global Economic Summit, scheduled for April 26-28

• Communities are encouraged to work together to provide child care options for all who need assistance and delivery services of meals and other necessities for senior citizens

• Hoosiers who can donate blood are encouraged to visit local blood centers. Blood supplies are low. Please follow the guidance at www.redcross.org

Restaurants Brace For Impact Of Governor's Announcement

(IRN) Beginning at the close of business Monday, all restaurants and bars in Illinois will be closed to dine-in customers through March 30 on orders of Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who said it’s an effort to help cut down on the spread of COVID-19.

 “I am ordering all bars and restaurants in the state of Illinois to close to the public at the close of business Monday night March 16th through March 30th,” Pritzker said in Chicago. “We are working with restaurant owners and food delivery services across the state to see if restaurants can safely keep their kitchens open so the restaurants can continue food delivery at their homes. Additionally, we are allowing drive through and curbside pickups over this period.”

 Karen Conn, a restaurateur and small business owner in Springfield, said she understands the decision. But she also said her initial reaction is plain shock.

 “We’re scratching our head right now saying how can we keep as many of the employees that we have that were part of our family, how do we keep them on our payroll, when there’s no dollars coming in,” Conn said.

 As to the possibility of small business loans for affected businesses, Conn said that may not help.

 “Is that gonna help? I’m afraid that mom and pops aren’t going to be able to weather the storm and we’re going to see a rash of businesses close,” Conn said.

 The expected decline in people eating out at Illinois restaurants because of the governor’s move won’t just impact employers and their employees, it will also likely increase demand at grocery stores.

 “I want people to know that Illinois’ food supply chain is among the nation's strongest and steadiest and I’m committed to keeping it that way as this situation evolves,” Pritzker said Sunday.

 He said he’s working with grocers, and federal and local governments to ensure food supplies to stores continue at all hours.

 “Please do not hoard food,” Pritzker said. “Buy what you need, but please be reasonable. There is enough food to go around, but please do not be selfish.”

 Brian Jordan, president of the Illinois Food Retailers Association, agreed but acknowledged “the supply chain is being strained.”

 “Please shop your normal shopping patterns,” Jordan said. “Consumers are hoarding and that’s putting a tremendous strain on grocery stores, and grocery store employees.”

 He said there’s an effort to increase the amount of weight a truck can carry so more goods can be delivered on a more regular basis.

 State Rep. Mike Murphy, R-Springfield, who used to own a restaurant in Springfield, said he’s never seen anything like this in his lifetime.

 “Obviously we won’t really know if this is the right decision for months,” Murphy said. “Hopefully it will be over in a short period of time and then we’ll analyze exactly what took place and that’s when the second-guessing will happen.”

 Murphy said he’s happy the governor said he’s working with the restaurant industry to allow curbside and window pickup.

 The closures of bars and restaurants to the public tentatively will last through March 30.

WSJD Mt. Carmel Restaurant Status Updates

Here is a status update from our advertisers via Facebook posts:

Taco Tierra: Facebook post from Walt Blake-The dinning room is closed in Princeton due to remodeling, at least thru Tuesday. The governor has shut down dinning rooms in Illinois thru the end of the month. All Taco Tierra drive through will continue to be open.

Famous J’s Drive-Thru: We at Famous J’s would like to make it clear that we, and other restaurants in town, will be open for business. We want to encourage our customers to support not only our restaurant, but all of the great businesses here in Mt. Carmel. Indoor dining is currently restricted by the governor's order, but drive thru, carry out and where available, delivery is available. Thanks, Famous J

Keensburg Cafe: Closed per Governor’s order.

Tequila’s: Hello Friends, with the recent regulations placed on Illinois restaurants we have been required to cease our in-store service. With that said curbside pick-up WILL BE AVAILABLE at all locations through March 30th from 11am-8pm daily.

Big Jon’s Lunchbox: Due to the Governor’s mandate we have decided to close down until March 30th..the curbside service approach is not feasible for us..It is with great regret that we have made this decision but plan to reopen as soon as this mandate is lifted. We appreciate your support. We will be in prayer that this whole situation is resolved quickly and would appreciate your prayers for our Big Jons staff and families. God is good all the time!

We will be catering for groups of 20 or more. Due to the limited amount of inventory we will have on hand not all our regular catering items may be available on short notice. For catering call 618-263-8680

Little Italy’s Pizza: Dining room closed now. Delivery and curbside service available.

Vick’s Bread & Brew: Closed until March 30th.

Tastee Freeze: Due to Covid-19, we will be closing our dining room. All other services are up and running! We can serve you in Drive Thru and at front counter! Our number one concern is and always be the health of our employees and customers. Again, all ice cream and food services will be open for call in, drive thru and front counter orders!

Subway-Mt. Carmel: Will be open (as of right now) 9 am to 8 pm and only for remote and call-in orders.

Pritzker Announces Bars and Restaurants Will Close to Public by End of Monday & Offer Only Drive-Thru, Curbside, & Delivery

Chicago — As the state continues to take aggressive action to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in our communities, Governor JB Pritzker announced that all bars and restaurants in the state of Illinois will be closed to the public, beginning at close of business Monday, March 16th through Monday, March 30th.

“This is another hard step to take. I know how difficult this will be on small businesses around the state. But we must do everything we can to safeguard the health of the citizens of Illinois, and that requires this urgent action,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The time for persuasion and public appeals is over — the time for action is here. This is not a joke. No one is immune to this, and you have an obligation to act in the best interests of all the people of this state.”

“This is a make or break moment. Clear and bold actions are needed immediately to stop the spread of COVID-19 and strengthen public health in Chicago and across the state,” said Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. “In the days and weeks ahead, we will continue to keep our residents and businesses apprised of developing information, ensuring they understand the measures we are taking and are following the latest guidance by public health officials. The City of Chicago is working to safeguard the health of our communities at every level of our operations. We are resilient, and we are all in this together.”

The state is working closely with restaurant owners and food delivery services to ensure kitchens can safely remain open to continue food delivery and put in place drive-thru and curbside pickup options for restaurants to continue to serve the public.

“Public safety is the No. 1 concern of the Illinois Restaurant Association,” said Sam Toia, president of the Illinois Restaurant Association. “First and foremost, we want to protect the health of our customers and team members. We remain vigilant in helping employers to navigate the immediate challenges that come with this rapidly changing situation. I want to thank Governor Pritzker and his team, and Mayor Lightfoot and her team, for leading us.”

ACTIONS TO PROTECT STATE WORKFORCE

Gov. Pritzker also announced that he has directed state agencies to implement plans for a temporary reduction of government functions and workforce while maintaining core functions and essential operations.

Select employees will continue to report to work; while the remaining workforce will either work remotely or be asked to remain home on call while receiving pay. All state employees will continue to be paid during this period.

Over the next several days, the Pritzker administration will finalize these plans and update state employees and the public. The Office of the Governor will remain fully operational throughout this period.

SOCIAL DISTANCING REMAINS CRUCIAL

Social distancing is the paramount strategy for minimizing the spread of COVID-19 in our communities, and the Governor is committed to using every tool at his disposal to protect public health.

Those experiencing symptoms should call a health care provider who will help arrange medical treatment without putting others at risk of exposure.

The Illinois Department of Public Health has a statewide COVID-19 hotline and website to answer any questions from the public or to report a suspected case: call 1-800-889-3931 or visit IDPH.illinois.gov.

Princeton man arrested on battery charge

On March 9, 2020, at 1:38 a.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a 911 report of a battery at Fast Tracks located at 315 E. Broadway Street in Princeton. Upon arriving officers began an investigation into the incident, and at the conclusion of their investigation Deputy Brian Naas placed 26-year-old Dakota Lehman into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail. Upon arriving at the Gibson County Jail Mr. Lehman was charged with Battery. He remains in custody without a bond.

Assisting Deputy Naas in his investigation was Deputy Loren Barchett and Deputy Michael Rose.


All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Evansville man arrested on DUI and battery charges

On March 8, 2020, at 8:35 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a 911 report of a battery that was occurring at the intersection of US 41 and County Road 350 South. Deputy Zach Lienemann arrived on scene and located two persons in a Silver 2002 Honda passenger van. 38-year-old Michael Keneipp of Evansville stepped out of the drivers seat and approached Deputy Lienemann. Once Mr. Keneipp began speaking Deputy Lienemann detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the driver and began a roadside investigation. During the investigation Deputy Lienemann spoke with Mr. Keneipp as well as a passenger in the vehicle. At the conclusion of his investigation Deputy Lienemann placed Mr. Keneipp into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail. Upon arriving at the Gibson County Jail Mr. Keneipp was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated and Battery. He has since posted a $750 bond.


All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Owensville man arrested on DUI charge

On March 8, 2020, at 3:51 a.m. Deputy Michael Rose conducted a traffic stop on a Red 2010 Ford F150 after observing the vehicle stopped in the middle of the roadway of Old Princeton Road near Owensville, Indiana. Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy rose detected the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the driver 27-year-old Logan Neufelder of Owensville, Indiana. At that point Deputy Rose began a roadside DUI investigation. Once his investigation was completed Deputy Rose placed Mr. Neufelder into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail. Upon arriving at the Gibson County Jail Mr. Neufelder was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated. He has since posted a $650 bond.


All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.