Community News Archives for 2019-04

BBB warns against making spring storm damage worse by getting scammed

Spring brings flowers, yard work, outdoor activities, and periodically, severe storms. Severe storms in Indiana can cause everything from downed trees to major damage to homes.

  

According to the Insurance Information Institute (iii), hail causes about $1 billion in damage to crops and property each year. In 2017, Indiana ranked #7 in the U.S. in the number of properties that experienced hail damage.  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOOA) reports that in 2016, Indiana had 440 combined incidents of tornados, hail and wind. 

 

Better Business Bureau Serving Central Indiana (BBB) gets reports every year of scammers taking advantage of consumers needing immediate repairs after a severe storm. While it’s understandable that consumers want to immediately hire a contractor to make repairs, BBB advises consumers to take some time to do their homework before hiring a contractor. The need for immediate repairs combined with the emotional toll of experiencing loss can be the perfect storm for anyone to be scammed.

 

BBB offers the following tips for consumers when dealing with storm damage: 

 

  • Contact your insurance company immediately. Inquire about your policy coverage and filing requirements. Some insurance companies now have dedicated storm response teams that could offer additional assistance. 
  • Document the damage.?Take pictures and videos from multiple angles.    
  • Do your research. Visit bbb.org to check the trustworthiness of a business or to get a listing of BBB accredited contractors. If the work being done requires a license, check with your local licensing authority to make sure the business’s license is current. This is particularly important for businesses soliciting door-to-door. 
  • Insist on a written contract before any work is started and understand all the terms. Make sure the business name, address and phone number appear on all estimates and contracts.  The contract should specify the work to be done, the materials used, estimated start and completion dates, warranties, who is responsible for any permits that may be needed (typically the business is responsible for this) and the payment terms. Any verbal promises should be added to the contract. 
  • Do not pay in cash. Do not pay in full up front and always pay in a form that can be documented such as a check or credit card. 
  • There is a telephone scam going around that involves names of Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office Deputies including leadership. 
  • These phone calls include threats of tracking the victims cell phone and false accusations of criminal charges if the victim does not comply. 
  • Please DO NOT give any personal information. Hang up and call your local law enforcement authorities. 

Mainstreet Shelbyville Inc. receives 2019 National Main Street Accreditation

Mainstreet Shelbyville has been designated as an accredited Main Street America™ program for meeting rigorous performance standards set by the National Main Street Center. Each year, the National Main Street Center and its partners announce the list of accredited Main Street America programs to recognize their exemplary commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™

 

“We are proud to acknowledge thisyear’s 840nationallyaccredited Main Street America programs that have worked tirelessly to strengthen their communities,”said Patrice Frey, President & CEO of the National Main Street Center. “These programs deserve recognition for generating impressive economic returns, preserving community character, and celebrating local history.Main Street America Accredited communities are part of a powerful movement of changemakers, and their dedication to improving quality of life in the places they call home is inspiring.

 

In 2018 alone, Main Street America programs generated $4.93 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 5,310 net new businesses, generated 25,301 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 8,146historic buildings, and clocked 2.2 million volunteer hours.

 

Mainstreet Shelbyville’s performance is annually evaluated by the Indiana Main Street Programwhich works in partnership with the National Main Street Center to identify the local programs that meet ten national performance standards. Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are building comprehensive and sustainable revitalization efforts and include standards such as fostering strong public-private partnerships, documenting programmatic progress, and actively preserving historic buildings.

 

 

Mainstreet Shelbyville is dedicated to improving the quality of life for the residents of our community by revitalizing and ensuring the long-term stability of downtown as a business district while enhancing its historic integrity. Since it’s incorporation in 1999, Mainstreet Shelbyville has made amazing strides in the economic vitality and historic preservation of downtown Shelbyville. The entire organization is excited about the progress that has been made and theyare also very encouraged by the futureplans for the historic downtown.The success of the program isdue to great efforts in grant programs, small business support, and a full season of community events in the Downtown Shelbyville. The 2019 National Main Street accreditation is very rewarding for Mainstreet Shelbyville and continues to encourage their dedication to the historic downtown.

 

ABOUT MAIN STREET AMERICA

Main Street America has been helping revitalize older and historic commercial districts for more than 35 years. Today, it is a network of more than 1,600 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, who share both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. Since 1980, communities participating in the program have leveraged more than $79.12 billion in new public and private investment, generated640,017 net new jobs and 143,613net new businesses, and rehabilitated more than 284,936 buildings.Main Street America is a program of the nonprofit National Main Street Center, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

State Police release results of targeted slow down and Move Over enforcement project

Troopers from the Indiana State Police concentrated their enforcement efforts last week on catching those drivers who fail to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles. The effort was coordinated with state police agencies from five other states, Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

 

With the increase in construction zones this was an opportune time to utilize special patrols not only to find those drivers who violate the law, but to educate the public on the importance of slowing down and moving over for emergency vehicles. Troopers concentrated efforts on all emergency vehicles, including construction vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, police vehicles, maintenance crews, and roadside service crews.

 

The results of the efforts are in the chart below.

Violation

Tickets

Warnings

Total

Fail to change lanes for stationary Highway Maintenance Vehicle on 4 lane highway

10

27

37

Fail to reduce speed for Stationary Highway Maintenance Vehicle on 2 lane highway

5

8

13

Failure to change lanes for Emergency Vehicle on 4 lane highway

83

137

220

Failure to reduce speed for Emergency Vehicle on 2 lane highway

17

22

39

Total

115

194

309

 

 

We’ve all heard about it before; the Move Over Law.  In 1999 Indiana was the first State in the nation to pass such a law requiring motorists to move to an adjacent traffic lane, or reduce speed by 10 mph below the posted speed limit if unable to change lanes safely when driving by a stationary police, fire or ambulance emergency vehicle stopped along the side of the road.  Over the years Indiana's law has expanded to include stationary recovery, utility service, solid waste haulers, road, street highway maintenance vehicles, as well as a stationary survey or construction vehicles when displaying alternately flashing amber lights.

 

Indiana’s law was originally crafted and passed the result of the death of ISP Tpr. Andrew Winzenread who was killed in April of 1997 while assisting a stranded motorist on I-74 in Dearborn County.  Now, in 2019, every state, with the exception of Hawaii has some form of a move-over-law.

  

But we all know laws are only effective when followed.  In Indiana we still have too many emergency vehicles being struck by inattentive or distracted motorists.  And in neighboring Illinois, three state troopers have been struck and killed since the beginning of 2019.

 

 

As part of a joint ‘Move Over Law’ traffic enforcement project Indiana will be working with our ‘Six State Trooper’ law enforcement partners in Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia during the week of April 14 through the 20.  During this time motorists can expect to see additional patrols looking for distracted driving violations which often lead to motorists failing to move over when they approach an emergency vehicle stopped roadside or at a crash scene.  Some violations associated with Driving While Distracted include speeding, following too close, drifting from lane to lane and failing to signal turns or lane changes.

 

It is not the goal of the Indiana State Police to simply write tickets.  We encourage and desire voluntary compliance with traffic laws to ensure the safety of the public as well as the safety of public safety professionals.  Our historical enforcement of the move over law reveals about 50% of persons stopped for this violation receive a written warning, but citations are issued for particularly egregious violations of the law.

 

To learn more about Move Over Laws in other States, visit this site: https://www.moveoveramerica.com/


YEAR

Tickets

Warnings

2017

517

1,023

2018

664

1,292

2019 to April 1st

144

239

Tickets and Warnings Issued for Violation of Indiana's Move Over Law


Indiana State Police 

2017

2018

2019 to April 1st

Struck at Crash Scene

10

6

7

Struck while Assisting Motorist

0

4

1

Struck while Directing Traffic

0

0

1

Struck in Work Zone

0

1

0

Stuck on Traffic Stop

3

0

1

TOTAL

13

11

10

Indiana State Police Vehicles Struck When Not in Motion


YEAR

Crash with Property Damage 

Crash with Injury

Crash with Fatality

2016

424

15

0

2017

396

16

0

2018

444

11

0

2019 to April 1st

124

9

0

Crashes of a Parked Police Vehicle from ANY Indiana Police Agency 

 

 

 

On April 25, 1997 while patrolling I-74 in Decatur County, Trooper Winzenread stopped to assist a motorist who had run out of gas. Returning to the stranded vehicle after getting gas, Trooper Winzenread exited his patrol car and was struck by an oncoming semi-tractor trailer. Trooper Winzenread died at the scene.

Three to be inducted into Shelbyville HS Hall of Fame on May 2

The Shelbyville High School Alumni Hall of Fame Committee has selected three candidates for the 2019 induction. 

 

The recipients will be honored at the induction ceremony on Thursday, May 2 at 6:30 pm in the Golden Bear Room at Shelbyville High School. 

 

Sandy E. Allen, Shelbyville High School class of 1973

Sandy E. Allen graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1973. While being the world’s tallest woman, as recognized by the Guinness World Book of Records, she was quite active in high school. Sandy was in Honor Society and Library Club, serving as the secretary/treasurer and vice president. She was a member of the Economics Club, Sunshine Society, and C.O.E Member of the Year as a senior. She was an Office of Education Assistant her senior year and President of the office her senior year.

 

Sandy was well known for being the Guinness World Record holder as the world’s tallest woman at seven feet, seven and one-quarter inches. During her lifetime, Sandy wrote a book, along with John Kleiman, called Cast the Giant Shadow: The Inspirational Life of Sandy Allen. She had a cameo in the academy award winning Italian film Fellini’s Casanova.

 

During her life, Sandy appeared in a variety of documentaries, TV shows, and movies. Each appearance had a central theme of embracing who you are no matter what other people say. When she spoke at public engagements, she championed the idea that it is alright to be different. Her goal was to bring this message to school age children. With this message in mind, she produced “It’s OK to be Different,” an inspirational video filmed in Shelbyville, IN. Throughout the video, Sandy spreads her message of being positive, unique, and relying on the Golden Rule when interacting with others.

All those who met Sandy were touched by her positive energy and encouraging messages. After a brief encounter with the lead singer of Split Enz in New York City, the singer/songwriter wrote the song “Hello Sandy Allen” in which he notes that her appearance never held her back.

 

When she passed away, the New York Times reported on her death:  Sandy stated that “when I was in high school, I used to get a lot of comments about my height. That really upset me, but now that I have gotten to be the world’s tallest woman, I’m going to take advantage of all the publicity that I can get and let children know ‘It’s ok to be different.’”

 

Jean Ann Dellekamp Wheeler, Shelbyville High School class of 1964

Jean Ann graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1964 and, to this day, she attributes growing up in Shelbyville as the greatest gift of her life. She was raised prior to the changes in schooling that recognized bright students with learning disabilities, prior to knowledge of ADD and dyslexia. 

 

With no indoor pools in Shelbyville, she swam in Indianapolis and Bloomington with supportive parents, outstanding swimming coaches and encouraging teachers.  Jean Ann channeled her energy into swimming where she ultimately won at 7 national championships in breaststroke, setting five world records, twice named All-American, at age 14 won every race in Europe on USA team and alternate 1960 Rome Olympics.

 

Additionally, at Shelbyville High School, she was proud to serve on May Court and Student Council.

 

Finding ways to move beyond her ADD and dyslexia diagnosis, Jean Ann graduated with degrees from Indiana University and Butler University.  Her own challenges as a student led her to be the most requested teacher as she took new approaches to reaching her students who excelled and loved learning. Outside of a traditional classroom, Jean Ann aided adults helping them to improve interviewing skills and basic reading skills so they could gain meaningful employment.

 

Age 33, Jean Ann began her career in medical sales selling instruments and high-tech equipment to surgeons and operating rooms of hospitals. She used her same drive and goal setting from swimming years to lead nationally in surgery sales.

 

With each new task providing new challenges and triumphs for Jean Ann she devotes herself entirely into whatever task she takes on.  Jean Ann shows all of us that no matter how we start life, we can choose the paths that we take and how we use our gifts. As Jean Ann once said, “I’ve always lived my life—loved my life—differently.”

 

Jean Ann is married with two children and two granddaughters, loves entertaining, hiking in the Colorado and Arizona mountains, working out, gardening and enjoying horses.

 

 

Dr. William DePrez Inlow, Shelbyville High School class of 1909

Dr. William DePrez Inlow was born in Manilla, Indiana on November 27, 1890. He attended high school in Manilla for three years. Since a fourth year was unavailable in Manilla, he commuted to Shelbyville by train and graduated from Shelbyville High School on May 20, 1909.

 

At Indiana University, he studied Greek, algebra, and philology. Dr. Inlow always looked up to his grandfather, Dr. J.J. Inlow which ultimately lead to the decision to pursue medicine instead of becoming a classical scholar. William DePrez Inlow enrolled at the University of Chicago and where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He completed his Bachelors of Science in 1915, his Masters of Science in 1917, and graduated from Rush Medical College in 1917.

 

Dr. Inlow was a veteran of WWI where he served as an officer in the United States Army Medical Corps. He served through the Armistice. Afterwards, Dr. Inlow trained at the Mayo Clinic, working with both Dr. Will and Dr. Charles Mayo. It was here that he used his breadth of surgical knowledge to develop the “Inlow fistula” which became a standard in experimental surgery.

 

Dr. Inlow was a leader, setting the standard of practice in creating the Inlow Clinic which was known throughout Indiana as a superior source of medical care. Dr. Inlow was a student, continually expanding his knowledge by reading, travelling, and challenging himself. Dr. Inlow was a teacher, working within a traditional school in Homer, Indiana. At the Inlow Clinic, he taught surgeons, one of whom stayed in Shelbyville. He taught surgery in Shelbyville to Urologic residents from Johns Hopkins University over a ten year period. One became Professor of Urology at Stanford University. He wrote and published documents on topics ranging from medicine to library science to geology. Dr. Inlow was an accomplished violinist, forming his own orchestra and studying at the Indianapolis Conservatory of Music.

 

In 1975, Dr. Inlow was the recipient of the Arts and Humanities Award by the Shelby County Rotary Club. In his honor, the “Inlow Award” is given annually by the Priestley Society at the Mayo Clinic for top surgical research by a Fellow in their surgical program.

 

Dr. Inlow retired at the age of seventy, but only from the medical practice. He remained “young” and interested in everything until he died at age ninety.

Free Fishing Day is Saturday, April 20

Bring the family to your local fishing hole Saturday, April 20, the first of four Indiana Free Fishing Days this year.

On Free Fishing Days, Indiana residents can fish public waters without a fishing license or a salmon/trout stamp. Free Fishing Days are a great opportunity for families to learn to fish together because adults do not need a fishing license on those days.

 

Children 17 and younger do not need a license on any day. 

 

A number of fishing events will be held on April 20:

 

  • A Women's Learn to Fish workshop will be held at St. Patrick’s County Park in South Bend from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Advanced registration is required; register online at bit.ly/2G7pXJb or by calling 574-674-9765.
     
  • A Family Learn to Fish workshop will take place at Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge in Seymour from 9 a.m. to noon. Advance registration is required by calling 812-522-4352 x12 or emailing donna_stanley@fws.gov. Find more information at bit.ly/2Z5DTMw.
     
  • State Parks are also hosting Free Fishing Day events. You can find a list of State Park events at bit.ly/2GaZGcX

Specific information about all Free Fishing Day events can be found at dnr.IN.gov/fishfree.

Higher limits now available on USDA farm loans

Higher limits are now available for borrowers interested in USDA’s farm loans, which help agricultural producers purchase farms or cover operating expenses. The 2018 Farm Bill increased the amount that producers can borrow through direct and guaranteed loans available through USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) and made changes to other loans, such as microloans and emergency loans.

 

“As natural disasters, trade disruptions, and persistent pressure on commodity prices continue to impact agricultural operations, farm loans become increasingly important to farmers and ranchers,” FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce said. “The 2018 Farm Bill provides increased loan limits and more flexibility to farm loans, which gives producers more access to credit when they need it most.”

 

Key changes include:

 

  • The Direct Operating Loan limit increased from $300,000 to $400,000, and the Guaranteed Operating Loan limit increased from $ 1.429 million to $1.75 million. Operating loans help producers pay for normal operating expenses, including machinery and equipment, seed, livestock feed, and more.
  • The Direct Farm Ownership Loan limit increased from $300,000 to $600,000, and the Guaranteed Farm Ownership Loan limit increased from $1.429 million to $1.75 million. Farm ownership loans help producers become owner-operators of family farms as well as improve and expand current operations.
  • Producers can now receive both a $50,000 Farm Ownership Microloan and a $50,000 Operating Microloan. Previously, microloans were limited to a combined $50,000. Microloans provide flexible access to credit for small, beginning, niche, and non-traditional farm operations.
  • Producers who previously received debt forgiveness as part of an approved FSA restructuring plan are now eligible to apply for emergency loans. Previously, these producers were ineligible.
  • Beginning and socially disadvantaged producers can now receive up to a 95 percent guarantee against the loss of principal and interest on a loan, up from 90 percent.

About Farm Loans

Direct farm loans, which include microloans and emergency loans, are financed and serviced by FSA, while guaranteed farm loans are financed and serviced by commercial lenders. For guaranteed loans, FSA provides a guarantee against possible financial loss of principal and interest.

 

For more information on FSA farm loans, visit www.fsa.usda.gov or contact your local USDA service center.

Boxwood blight found in Indiana landscape

The DNR Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology has discovered boxwood plants in the landscape of central Indiana infected with the boxwood blight fungus. The infected plants had been purchased several years earlier from a local retail chain stores.

 

Boxwood blight (Calonectria pseudonaviculata) is a fungal disease that infests members of the popular Buxaceae family, and is often transported through the nursery trade. Hosts include Buxus (boxwood), Pachysandra (Japanese spurge) and Sarcococca (sweetbox). Annual inspections of nursery stock by the DNR verify that this pathogen is not indigenous to Indiana, nor can it be found in nursery stock that is sourced locally.

 

When the fungus, which can lay dormant in drier conditions, is present, it can be found on all above-ground portions of the plant and presents itself as dark leaf spots. It causes rapid defoliation, which typically starts on the bottom of the plant and moves toward the top. This fungal pathogen can move through sporulation in water and from dropped leaves. As a result, infection can spread to surrounding plants from a single infected plant.

 

If you suspect one of your plants shows signs and symptoms of boxwood blight, please call (866) NO EXOTIC (866-663-9684) use the information at dnr.IN.gov/entomolo.

 

For more information on this pathogen, see the following link extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-203-W.pdf

The DNR is currently surveying for boxwood blight in Indiana. To date, the DNR has not found the pathogen, except for a few interceptions at retail chain stores that source materials from out of state.

 

If you see symptoms of this plant pathogen, call the DNR at (866) NO EXOTIC (866-663-9684) with the location. Members of the public may report boxwood blight or any other invasive species to the DNR through the Report IN website eddmaps.org/indiana/ or by downloading the Great Lakes Early Detection Network (GLEDN) app on a smartphone.

 

For more information on all invasive species that could affect Indiana and ways to help stop their spread, see dnr.IN.gov//3123.htm.

Avoid planting invasive pear trees

Gov. Eric Holcomb has proclaimed this week, April 8-12, as Invasive Species Awareness Week in Indiana, an important reminder for Hoosiers to watch for potentially devastating pests.

 

Ornamental pear trees, most commonly known as Bradford pears, have been a popular landscaping tree in Indiana for decades. So popular that they are crowding out native Indiana trees.

 

For that reason, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources encourages homeowners and landscapers to avoid planting such trees and to replace them when possible.

 

“Over time different varieties of pear have cross pollinated in our urban areas, allowing them to rapidly spread into our natural resources,” said Megan Abraham, director of the DNR Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology.

 

Cultivated forms of this invasive species are most accurately known as Pyrus calleryana or the Callery pear tree. Commonly available ornamental pear cultivars, all of which are invasive and should be avoided, include Bradford, New Bradford®, Cleveland select, autumn blaze, Aristocrat®, capitol, Chanticleer®, and dozens more.

 

In addition to being invasive, these cultivars, which are known for their striking white flowers, typically don’t last long. They are structurally weaker and more easily damaged by storms than native trees.

 

Carrie Tauscher, urban forestry coordinator with the DNR Division of Forestry, says evidence of the trees’ rapid spread is easy to see.

 

“Just take a look for glossy leaved, egg-shaped trees in highway interchanges,” Tauscher said. “It’s common to find them in unmown areas under utility lines and in lots and fields initially cleared for construction that are then left fallow.”

 

Stopping the spread of this invasive plant means selecting alternate trees for yards and forested property. The best tree to replace any invasive tree species is one that is native to a particular region.

 

If you are looking for an alternative flowering tree for Indiana, serviceberry trees, which have similar white blooms in the spring and fruits that attract wildlife, are one option. Eastern redbuds, which grow quickly with eye-catching lavender flowers in the spring, are another option.

 

To learn more about native trees that are great for landscaping, visit the Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society page at inpaws.org/landscaping.

 

For more information on all invasive species that could affect Indiana and ways to help stop their spread, see dnr.IN.gov//3123.htm.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana Partners with Indianapolis Indians to Recruit 150 Men in 50 Days

For the fourth year in a row, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (BBBSCI) is partnering with the Indianapolis Indians in an effort to recruit 150 adult male volunteers in 50 days and raise awareness of the importance of mentoring. The campaign begins April 13 and ends on June 1, 2019.

 

This yearly campaign was launched by BBBSCI in 2014 to meet the overwhelming need for male mentors. Previously named the “100 Men in 50 Days” recruitment campaign, this year BBBSCI and the Indians are increasing the campaign goal to meet the increasing need for more male mentors as BBBSCI’S 1-to-1 mentoring program continues to grow and serve more youth.

 

The Indianapolis Indians are serving as the Presenting Partner for the campaign and will offer Knot Hole Club memberships to Bigs and Littles matched as a result of the campaign, as well as make special appearances at BBBSCI events during the campaign.

 

Seventy percent of the children waiting to be matched with Bigs are boys. The average wait time for boys waiting to be matched is about one year due to the lack of male volunteers. The campaign is aimed at involving individuals and organizations of all kinds to engage with BBBSCI and the Indians. Through various community events, social events, and awareness opportunities, the BBBSCI staff, current volunteers, Board of Directors, and campaign ambassadors are pounding the pavement to engage men as Big Brothers, Big Couples, and Big Friend pairs.

 

“The Indianapolis Indians are fully invested in making our community the strongest it can be, and we know that our community is at its best when we are fully invested in the potential of our youth,” Darcey Palmer-Shultz, BBBSCI Chief Executive Officer said. “We’re thankful to partner with the Indianapolis Indians for the fourth year in a row to recruit more men to serve as mentors. We have so many kids who have asked for someone to encourage and guide them, and we want to make sure they get that opportunity.” 

 

“The Indianapolis Indians are proud to once again partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana,” said Randy Lewandowski, Indianapolis Indians president and general manager. “The success of the campaign in previous years has been exciting, but we know there is still work ahead of us to continue recruiting matches for the ones who need it most—the youth of our community. We’re thrilled to shine another light on this important campaign.”

USDA announces buy-up coverage availability and new service fees for noninsured crop coverage policies

USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced that higher levels of coverage will be offered through the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), a popular safety net program, beginning April 8, 2019. The 2018 Farm Bill also increased service fees and made other changes to the program, including service fee waivers for qualified military veterans interested in obtaining NAP coverage.

 

“When other insurance coverage is not an option, NAP is a valuable risk mitigation tool for farmers and ranchers,” said FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce. “In agriculture, losses from natural disasters are a matter of when, not if, and having a NAP policy provides a little peace of mind.”

 

NAP provides financial assistance to producers of commercial crops for which insurance coverage is not available in order to protect against natural disasters that result in lower yields or crop losses, or prevent crop planting.

 

NAP Buy-Up Coverage Option

 

The 2018 Farm Bill reinstates higher levels of coverage, from 50 to 65 percent of expected production in 5 percent increments, at 100 percent of the average market price. Producers of organics and crops marketed directly to consumers also may exercise the “buy-up” option to obtain NAP coverage of 100 percent of the average market price at the coverage levels of between 50 and 65 percent of expected production. NAP basic coverage is available at 55 percent of the average market price for crop losses that exceed 50 percent of expected production.

 

Producers have a one-time opportunity until May 24, 2019, to obtain buy-up coverage for 2019 or 2020 eligible crops for which the NAP application closing date has passed.

 

Buy-up coverage is not available for crops intended for grazing.

 

NAP Service Fees

 

For all coverage levels, the new NAP service fee is the lesser of $325 per crop or $825 per producer per county, not to exceed a total of $1,950 for a producer with farming interests in multiple counties. These amounts reflect a $75 service fee increase for crop, county or multi-county coverage. The fee increases apply to obtaining NAP coverage on crops on or after April 8, 2019.

 

NAP Enhancements for Qualified Military Veterans

 

The 2018 Farm Bill NAP amendments specify that qualified veteran farmers or ranchers are now eligible for a service fee waiver and premium reduction, if the NAP applicant meets certain eligibility criteria.

 

Beginning, limited resource and targeted underserved farmers or ranchers remain eligible for a waiver of NAP service fees and premium reduction when they file form CCC-860, “Socially Disadvantaged, Limited Resource and Beginning Farmer or Rancher Certification.

 

For NAP application, eligibility and related program information, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/nap or contact your local USDA Service Center. To locate your local FSA office, visit www.farmers.gov.

Shelbyville Fire Department puts three new ambulances into service

The Shelbyville Fire Department is proud to have begun operation of three new ambulances within their fleet. The new ambulances offer safer options for crew and patients, in addition, to cost savings.

           

The three new ambulances were produced by Wheeled Coach, a part of REV group, in Winter Park, Florida. Safer options for the patient include DuraLite cabinetry that allow quicker access to life saving medication, oxygen outlets more conducive to care, technology for transporting pediatric patient securely, and toggle switches in the patient compartment decreasing the risk of malfunction in electrical components.

 

            Crew safety is maximized with in-seat 4-point PER4MAX ® Controlled Decelerator seating, allowing crew member to provide care will remaining seat-belted. SafePass  techonology on exit doors providing safety overrides in event of an accident.  Crews are additionally protected with securement devices for portable medical equipment to prevent loose moving object within the vehicle. Seamless upholstery allows for the decreased risk associated with contaminants in the firehouse and while on scenes.

 

 

Patient and crew safety is a top priority at Shelbyville Fire Department. Power loading Strykercot systems provide multiple safety functions with minimal increased cost. Patient safety is increased with the automatic lifting into the vehicles decreasing the risk of injury. Injuries are also preventing crews from back injuries related to patient lifting, which top the list of firefighter disabilities across the nation. Turn-around times are enhanced with the use of the lifts, as fire engines are not required to respond to the hospital to assist with the removal of obese patients from the ambulance. 

 

            The exterior of the ambulance resembles to previous red and white paint scheme and blacked-out tire rims, allowing for easier care of the rims and prevention of loose parts, such as, caps on the vehicle. Corner capped lighting increases 360° high-visibility lighting, providing scene safety. DuraSeam Door Systems provided the exterior with a seamless look, while eliminating protruding handles and providing structural integrity and strength. GatorGrip surfaces, Yellow handicap handles, and easy to replace running boards assist with safety and functionality.

 

Mechanical advantages to the vehicles include a gasoline engine for cost-saving measures while not compromising the response or integrity of the vehicle. Cost savings in the use of gasoline engines lower the cost of regular maintenance and parts. The vehicle includes a Ford E450 Type III chassis with decreased technological luxuries within with cab allowing for easier operation and less times ambulances are out of service for electrical issues, and easier repair.

 

The Shelbyville Fire Department prides itself in providing the best possible critical care medical services to the citizens and visitors of Shelby County, while optimizing use of resources under a sound fiscal mind. The department is comprised of 63 highly trained, dedicated medical providers delivering progressive, rapid, and reliable services to the community. Two ambulances will be provided to the community during a 24 hours period by Shelbyville Fire Department, in additional to, a third paramedic crew staffed by St. Francis EMS during high call volume time periods as determined by use of System Status Management. In 2018, over 5,000 calls were completed by the Shelbyville Fire Department.

'Super outbreaks' of severe tornadoes are very uncommon, says Ball State meteorologist

The April 3-4, 1974 Super Outbreak was the U.S.'s largest and most violent tornado outbreaks.  Nearly 150 tornadoes affected 13 states and Ontario, including 30 F4 or F5 tornadoes.  

 

Twenty-one tornadoes, including 3 rated F5, killed 47 people as they raced across the Hoosier state.  One tornado began near Lafayette and ended north of Ft Wayne, tracking 121 miles and killing 19.  This tornado also destroyed the White County Courthouse in Monticello.

 

“Such ‘super outbreaks’ of severe tornadoes are very uncommon,” Call says. “Researchers continue to seek ways to better predict tornadoes and improve warnings to save lives.

 

“Today, thanks to more accurate computer models, Doppler radar, and greater knowledge of how severe weather and tornadoes form, meteorologists can provide earlier notice and more timely warnings when tornadoes threaten,” he says.  “The April 2011 super outbreak in Alabama and nearby states caused more than twice as many tornadoes as the 1974 outbreak, but the death toll was slightly lower. 

 

Call has been at Ball State since 2007 and teaches classes in physical geography, elementary meteorology, severe local storms, and broadcast meteorology. His research interests center around how society copes with hazardous weather events, especially ice and snow. Call received his bachelor’s degree from Penn State (meteorology) and master’s and doctoral degrees from Syracuse University (geography). He also worked as a broadcast meteorologist for several years prior to arrival at Ball State.

Hoosiers have until April 8 to register to vote in 2019 municipal elections

2019 is a municipal election year in Indiana. Are you registered to vote? If you want to have your say in the primary election, you must register in the next few days.

 

Hoosiers must register by April 8 to be able to vote in the May 7 primary election. Most cities

and towns in Indiana will cast votes for mayor, council, and city ballot questions.

 

Citizens can register to vote online by using the Indiana Voters app or by visiting IndianaVoters.com, and can submit an application to register in person at their local county

clerk's office.

 

The Indiana Voters app also allows Hoosiers to confirm their voter registration, look up their

polling place, get driving directions to their polling location, find out who's on their ballot, track

their absentee ballot application or provisional ballot information and contact local election

officials.

 

In order to be eligible to register to vote, you must:

• be a citizen of the United States

 

• be at least 18 years old on the day of the next general, municipal, or special election

 

• have lived in your precinct for at least 30 days before the next general, municipal, or special

election (except for certain military voters)

 

• not currently be imprisoned after being convicted of a crime.

 

“I encourage all Hoosiers to exercise their right to vote,” said Secretary Lawson. “Voting is one

of our most precious rights as Americans – it’s how we make sure our voices are heard in

government. Registering only takes a few minutes and can be done from your smartphone or

computer.”

 

Voter registration will reopen after the May primary. Hoosiers wishing to take part in the

November 5 general election must be registered by October 7.

 

Voters with questions can call the Hoosier Voter Hotline at 866-IN-1-VOTE.

Governor Holcomb and INDOT award "Community Crossings" funds to City of Shelbyville for more street improvements

Earlier this week, Shelbyville was awarded another $1 million in road funding through the state’s “Community Crossings” program. These funds will help to further accelerate efforts to improve the road networks in Shelbyville, funding an additional 48 resurfacing projects, a two-block reconstruction project, and another two blocks of partial road reconstruction for the next year. Since the “Community Crossings” program was established in 2017, the City has been awarded $3 million dollars in additional road funding, which has completed much needed maintenance and repair work on numerous local roads.

 

Mayor Thomas DeBaun was quoted saying, “We appreciate the efforts undertaken by the state general assembly, INDOT, and Governor Holcomb to make more funding available to local communities so that we can re-invest in our infrastructure. Investing in preventative maintenance in our roads today, means that our infrastructure lasts longer and performs better over it’s lifespan.”

In 2019 and 2020, over 60 projects will be completed due to the Community Crossings Initiative funding made available through the State of Indiana. 

 

A map showing all of these project locations has been made available.

 

“The Community Crossings Program has allowed us to make numerous large investments in infrastructure in Shelbyville the last few years. Over 60 roads projects are being funded in 2019 and 2020, a task that would not have been possible before,” City Engineer Matt House said. “The grant program, along with an increase in local funding from the City Council, has allowed us to more than triple the amount of work yearly that we were doing prior to 2017.”

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