KidsPlay postpones spring production
HANCOCK COUNTY — KidsPlay, Inc. children’s theater has suspended rehearsals and postponed its performance of “Over My Dead Body.” The production, slated for April 17, 18 and 19 at the H.J. Ricks Centre for the Arts, will be rescheduled at a later date.
Governor activates Indiana Guard
INDIANAPOLIS — Governor Eric Holcomb announced the activation of the Indiana National Guard to support efforts and operations during the COVID-19 pandemic in an executive order he signed earlier this week.
The National Guard is supporting the state’s emergency operations center along with providing personnel to the Indiana State Department of Health for response planning. Guardsmen with specific skill sets that can help to support the mission could work in fields such as medical, logistical or communications, for example. One task envisioned for the troops is to assist in distributing medical supplies that the state receives.
“We stand ready to support our community in every way necessary during emergency responses like this,” said Brig. Gen. R. Dale Lyles, the adjutant general for the Indiana National Guard. “Our troops are trained to support local agencies and aid in easing Hoosiers’ minds during their time of need.”
NineStar’s broadband initiative praised
WASHINGTON, D.C. — NineStar Connect was among entities singled out this week by the Federal Communications Commission for their efforts to expand broadband availability as schools close and more people are working remotely to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.
“I want to thank broadband and telephone service providers who have answered my call to take aggressive steps to help consumers during the coronavirus pandemic,” said Ajit Pai, chairman of the FCC. “I welcome their hard work in finding ways to meet their customers’ changing needs and to keep Americans connected.
Ninestar Connect was recognized for increasing broadband speeds up to 1 gigbyte per second through April 10 for customers on its fiber optic network.
Fire Department enacts restrictions
NEW PALESTINE — The Sugar Creek Township Fire Department has taken steps to restrict its first-responders’ exposure to the coronavirus.
New measures include screening all employees before they enter a fire station, including temperature checks; limiting access to the buildings to employees only; suspending all public relations activities; and using protective gear. They also are asking people who call 911 to inform the operator if they are sick or if anyone in their house has been sick. They’re also asking people to tell the operator whether they’ve traveled anywhere recently.
“We are all in this together,” public information officer Tony Bratcher said. “With a little help and coordination we can help flatten the curve and reduce the impact this virus has on our community, state and county.”
Agencies will use AM radio if necessary
HANCOCK COUNTY — The county’s COAD team — a group of organizations that is prepared to respond to disasters — announced this week Hancock County Emergency Management and the Hancock Amateur Radio Club have the ability to activate and broadcast over AM radio if all other traditional means of communication are down. The entities would broadcast over the frequency at 1610 AM
More information is available at www.HancockCOAD.org.
City relaxes signage restrictions
GREENFIELD — The city planning department is relaxing some of its signage restrictions to allow local restaurants to advertise their carry-out and delivery options while dining rooms remain closed.
Businesses will be allowed one on-building banner and one freestanding flag sign each. Blade flags should be no taller than 10 feet, and banners may not extend higher than the roof of a building; the square footage maximum remains 32 square feet.
Height restrictions remain in place for freestanding temporary signs. They can be no taller than 6 feet.
Permits for temporary signs will not be required, and fees will not be charged. Temporary signs used during the COVID-19 outbreak will not count toward the maximum allowed for the year.
“We sincerely hope this will provide some additional awareness of our local businesses who remain open. We encourage our businesses to use local sign companies as much as possible and hope that all of our businesses will continue to support each other,” planning director Joanie Fitzwater said in a statement.
