Staff at Dubois County Health Dept infected

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The Dubois County Health Department announced that staff members at the county office have tested positive for COVID-19 (COronaVIrus Disease 2019). “The health of our staff and their families is top priority at the Dubois County Health Department, so we can provide for the needs of our healthcare workers and the overall well-being of the…

Hemlock Cliffs closed due to coronavirus

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In alignment with current federal, state and local guidance for social distancing and to ensure the health and safety of its employees, visitors and volunteers, the Hoosier National Forest will temporarily shut down the Hemlock Cliffs Trail in Crawford County effective April 17, 2020.  Details and a map of the affected area can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/hoosier/alerts-notices….

State Police ID body found in Perry County

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On April 17, 2020, the Indiana State Police and the Perry County Coroner’s office announced they were able to identify the body found near the Rome boat ramp on the Ohio River in Perry County on April, 6, 2020. The body has been identified as Stephanie Black of New Albany, Indiana.  Louisville Metropolitan Police Department had taken the…

State health dept announces 519 deaths so far

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The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) today announced that 642 additional Hoosiers have been diagnosed with COVID-19 through testing at ISDH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and private laboratories. That brings to 10,154 the total number of Indiana residents known to have the novel coronavirus following corrections to the previous day’s…

Dubois County Health Dept update for Friday

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The Dubois County Health Department reported the positive tests of COVID-19 in the county remains at 14 as of Friday, April 17 at 8 a.m. In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the public is encouraged to continue to remain at home. If you need to leave your home for essential work, or to…

Mayors, Sen. Braun and State Sen. Messmer hosting Facebook Live event on Monday

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On Monday, April 20 at 3:00 p.m. there will be a Facebook Live event with Mayor Denny Spinner of Huntingburg, Mayor Dean Vonderheide of Jasper, State Senator Mark Messmer and US Senator Mike Braun.  They will be giving updates to constituents regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic from the federal, state and local level. An event…

Businesses, groups call on INDOT to stop planning highway project during coronavirus pandemic

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More than 70 local businesses and environmental organizations are imploring the Indiana Department of Transportation to stop planning a proposed highway project through the southern part of the state, claiming it’s not needed, that it could threaten rare habitat and that resources could be better spent aiding with the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Health Dept pushes cloth face-covering usage

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The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) is recommending all persons to wear a cloth face covering if they must leave their home or report to work for essential operations.  A few examples include: Shopping at essential businesses, such as grocery stores or pharmacies Picking up food from a…

Dubois Strong offering COVID-19 emergency loans

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In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Dubois Strong is offering a loan program to assist local small businesses during this economic pause. The Dubois Strong Emergency Loan Fund is available to applicants referred through local financial institutions for up to $5,000 with an interest rate of 1.5%. Funds are available through the already-established Dubois…

Health Dept reports 14th COVID-19 case

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The Dubois County Health Department confirmed another positive case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been identified. This brings the total of 14 positive cases of COVID-19 in Dubois County residents. “We are working closely with Indiana State Department of Health and local officials to ensure that contacts of the patient are identified and monitored,” the department…

Huntingburg announces small business loan program

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In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the City of Huntingburg is offering a loan program to assist local small businesses during the outbreak. The Huntingburg Emergency Loan Program (HELP) is available to applicants for up to $5,000 with an interest rate of 1.5%. Funds are being made available through the already-established Huntingburg Revolving Loan…

Indiana State Department of Health daily COVID-19 update

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Tuesday, the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) announced that 313 additional Hoosiers have been diagnosed with COVID-19 through testing at ISDH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and private laboratories. That brings to 8,527 the total number of Indiana residents known to have the novel coronavirus following corrections to the previous day’s…

Number of COVID-19 cases remains at 13

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As of April 14, at 8 a.m., there are a total of 13 positive COVID-19 tests among Dubois County residents.     The COVID-19 virus is present and active in Dubois County.  We need everyone’s cooperation to be successful in defeating COVID-19 during this crisis.   It is imperative that citizens STAY AT HOME so we can slow…

Mind-blowing: A community of kindness

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Caiden Obermeier’s kindness is contagious. As the 10-year-old with a huge heart faces a special heart procedure, his friends and family decided to throw him a parade.

15th Street closure planned for Tuesday, Thursday

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Barring any unforeseen circumstances or inclement weather, the contractor working for the Indiana Department of Transportation will close 15th Street from the intersection with Newton Street/U.S. 231 to Kundeck Street beginning at 8 a.m. Tuesday, April 14. The closure is expected to be in place for one day. The contractor will close that section down…

Health Dept reminds public of social distancing steps and mask usage

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As of Monday, April 13, at 8 a.m., there is a total of 13 positive COVID-19 tests among Dubois County residents.     The Dubois County Health Department issued a reminder to residents about wearing masks and continuing to practice social distancing. The department stated that everyone in a community setting and in situations where they are…

Odon nursing center announces 7 cases of COVID-19

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The Ketcham Memorial Center announced several staff members and residents at the facility had tested positive for COVID-19. Kathy Wittmer, administrator of the facility, announced the following on the organization’s Facebook page. “While we strive for transparency in everything we do, please know that we are bound by federal guidelines under the Health Insurance Portability…

Two more COVID-19 cases in county bring total to 13

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As of April 12, at 8 a.m., Dubois County Health Department has confirmed that two more positive cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have been identified. This brings the total of 13 positive cases of COVID-19 in Dubois County residents.   “We are working closely with Indiana State Department of Health and local officials to ensure that…

Health Dept reports 11th COVID-19 case

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Saturday, the Dubois County Health Department reported the 11th COVID-19 case in the county. “We are working closely with Indiana State Department of Health and local officials to ensure that contacts of the patient are identified and monitored,” said the department in the press release. “Anyone who may have an exposure risk has been notified…

Memorial Counseling Center offering telehealth services

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Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center has launched a new program to continue to provide mental health services in the safest way possible. Memorial Counseling Center, the outpatient mental health center of Memorial Hospital, is now offering both telemedicine and teletherapy appointments. Telemedicine and teletherapy allow for mental health assessments, consultations, and counseling services to…

Memorial Hospital announces nominees for outstanding physician award

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Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center has announced the names of the top six physicians nominated for the eighth annual Little Company of Mary Outstanding Physician Award. They are Dean Beckman, M.D., Douglas Bies, M.D., Marc Campbell, M.D., Eric Hartman, M.D., James Poirier, M.D., and Kristin Werne, M.D. This award is named in honor of…

Health Dept issues guidance for holiday weekend

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As of April 10, at 8 a.m., Dubois County continues to have a total of 10 positive confirmed cases of COVID-19. The Dubois County Health Department is urging Dubois County residents to adhere to the Governor’s Orders this holiday weekend. Easter 2020 will be like no other we have experienced. Whether or not you and your loved…

Governor issues guidance for places of worship

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Governor Eric J. Holcomb and State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG, today issued guidance for places of worship in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. “During this time of uncertainty, faith is more important than ever, and I am deeply grateful to our religious leaders for their efforts to find safe and…

Matching grant to be used to expand Portersville Road, add pedestrian path

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The City of Jasper and its Engineering Department announced the city has received a Community Crossing Matching Grant through the Indiana Department of Transportation for the improvements to Portersville Road.  The matching grant is in the amount of $264,162.50. The project will include the widening of Portersville Road, the installation and replacement of storm sewers and…

Multiple pipe replacements scheduled for SR 145 near Birdseye

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The Indiana Department of Transportation announced multiple culvert pipe replacements on State Road 145 in both Perry and Dubois County. Beginning on or around Monday, April 20 crews will begin working on S.R. 145 from I-64 to the junction of State Road 64 near Birdseye. Workers will be replacing multiple drainage culverts along this stretch,…

Holiday World postpones opening day

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Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari announced it would postpone opening the park until June in a heartfelt blog post on their website. During his twenty-some years serving Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari as park president, my dad—Will Koch Jr.—never missed an opening day. Especially not when a new attraction was on the line. We do…

Health Dept announces 10th COVID-19 case

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The Dubois County Health Department has confirmed a tenth positive case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) among Dubois County residents.  They stated they are working closely with the Indiana State Department of Health and local officials to ensure that contacts of the patient are identified and monitored. Anyone who may have an exposure risk has been notified…

MasterBrand temporarily shuts down Ferdinand operations

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MasterBrand shut down operations in Ferdinand for five days after an employee was confirmed to have COVID-19. A message sent to employees on Wednesday stated the employee hadn’t worked since March 31. The message states the following. “A decision has been made to temporarily shut down Ferdinand operations effective this evening as a result of…

State Health Commissioner orders better COVID-19 reporting

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The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) today announced new reporting requirements for laboratories and congregate living facilities as part of the state’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal is to improve data collection and help ISDH and local health departments more quickly deploy all necessary resources to help limit the spread of…

14-year-old puts 3D printer to use to provide relief

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Anyone who has been wearing a face mask — handmade or otherwise — can attest that ear fatigue is a thing. Heads come in different sizes and elastic bands can be kind of grabby on the skin and hair. Plus, the number of things ears have to hold to a person’s head can get quite…

Dubois County COVID-19 cases increase to 9

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As of April 8, at 8 a.m., two more COVID-19 cases have been identified.  There are now a total of nine positive COVID-19 tests among Dubois County residents.   We are working closely with ISDH and local officials to ensure that contacts of the patients are identified and monitored, said the Dubois County Health Department. Anyone…