Commissioners Keep A Sense Of Humor But No Matching Tattoos
May 1, 2020 at 11:00 p.m.
By -
That has been even more apparent at the commissioners’ last two public meetings where no more than 10 people are allowed in the room at a time. That usually includes the three commissioners, the county administrator, county auditor, two media representatives and three others (usually department heads).
On Tuesday, when two representatives of American Bikers Aimed Toward Education came in for the proclamation recognizing May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, someone else had to go – at least temporarily. So Commissioner Brad Jackson sent Area Plan Director Dan Richard out of the room. Richard’s facial expression – though jokingly made – was priceless. Jackson later apologized to Richard and said he hoped he didn’t hurt his feelings.
“It’s really going to take more than that,” Richard replied.
Jackson noted that even Sheriff Kyle Dukes had to stand outside the room while the proclamation was going on.
“I like that,” Richard said, continuing the morning’s humor. “I like that.”
“No one can accuse us of not following the rules,” Jackson said.
TATTOO 4 U? – Speaking of Jackson, while he and Commissioner Bob Conley were discussing how barber shops could have been left open during the governor’s stay-at-home order (by allowing only one customer in at a time), Jackson noted he was still waiting for the tattoo shops to open to get his.
County Administrator Marsha McSherry humorously made sure we took note of Jackson’s comment.
Of course, Jackson was kidding and he later shared that he and his wife have an ongoing joke about getting matching tattoos that stems from the movie “Talladega Nights.”
STILL PLEDGING – Even with most public meetings being held virtually – via Zoom, Facebook or other social media – many boards are still starting out with a moment of silence or prayer, followed by the pledge of allegiance.
For its meeting Monday evening, the Warsaw School Board started out with a moment of silence and then the pledge. They didn’t say the pledge in unison, but they did get through it.
“That wasn’t awkward at all,” board Treasurer Jay Baumgartner said, eliciting a laugh not only from the other board members, but also those of us watching from elsewhere.
JOB AVAILABLE – The Watershed Foundation is seeking a motivated donor relations specialist to join its team.
TWF is a not-for-profit organization and relies on public support to continue its work for healthy lakes in the community.
The job posting can be found at https://watershedfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/TWF-2020-Donor-Relations-Position-4.3.20-1.pdf.
Anyone who applies for the position will get to work with Executive Director Lyn Crighton, North Webster, who was featured in an article for the May/June 2020 issue of Outdoor Indiana.
The article was brought to our attention by Warsaw City Councilwoman Diane Quance.
SUICIDE HOTLINE – U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) joined Senator Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) and 21 other U.S. Senators in a bipartisan, bicameral push to include S. 2661, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, in the next coronavirus relief package. The bipartisan legislation would designate 9-8-8 as the three-digit number for a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline.
“We write to request the inclusion of S. 2661/H.R. 4194, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, in the next COVID-19 relief package. The creation of this three-digit dialing code is essential in order to address the growing suicide crisis across the United States,” they wrote. “As our country is facing an unprecedented challenge in responding to COVID-19, this three-digit hotline would play a critical role in saving the lives of many vulnerable Americans who are facing mental health emergencies during this period of isolation and uncertainty. Suicide does not discriminate between rural and urban areas or by income, and it causes heartbreak and loss in communities in every single one of our states. We must ensure that we are doing everything we can to prevent these devastating outcomes from occurring, especially in these trying times as grief and uncertainty encompass our nation.”
The National Suicide Hotline Designation Act designates 9-8-8 as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which would include the Veterans Crisis Line for veteran-specific mental health support. The current National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Veterans Crisis line is 10-digits long, which is a barrier to Americans in crisis seeking support. The bill includes a report to improve support services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) youth and other high-risk populations.
COVID-19 VACCINES – On Friday, U.S. Senator Mike Braun sent a letter to Vice President Mike Pence and the White House Coronavirus Task Force asking the Task Force to commit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) – and specifically the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) at CDC — to immediately review, in real-time, any successful COVID-19 vaccine after it is authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Even after FDA authorization, ACIP and CDC must review and approve any new COVID-19 vaccine before it can be widely used in the U.S. civilian population.
“A vaccine is what we need most to get us back to business and normal life,” said Braun. “Academic institutions, researchers and the pharmaceutical industry have stepped up during this crisis to moved towards a successful vaccine – regulators need to as well. We need to ensure that federal regulators do their part to accelerate development and deployment of a vaccine instead of slowing it down,” the letter reads in part.
STUDENT VETERANS – U.S. Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN), member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee and House Armed Services Committee, applauded President Trump’s signing of the Student Veteran Coronavirus Response Act of 2020, which he co-sponsored.
“The spirit of the GI Bill is clear. If you serve your country, the United States will repay you with an education. During COVID-19, we need to ensure our student veterans don’t have to worry about housing costs as they complete their studies,” Banks said.
H.R. 6322 was introduced by Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA), chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. With many colleges moving to online instruction because of COVID-19, student-veterans who rely on work-study allowances to pay for necessities like rent and food are having trouble making ends meet. The bill ensures that students who cannot transition to online coursework maintain their GI Bill eligibility next semester, according to a news release from Banks’ office.
REOPENING INDIANA – Indiana Republican Party Chairman Kyle Hupfer released a statement Friday in response to Holcomb's phased Back on Track plan to reopen Indiana.
He said, “Today, Governor Holcomb outlined the most comprehensive, data-driven and well-thought-out plan for reopening a state in the entire country. Hoosiers have benefited from his steady, thoughtful leadership since day one of this pandemic. Governor Holcomb is getting us back on track and our state will emerge from this crisis stronger than ever before.”
Indiana Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kevin Brinegar commented, “What Governor Holcomb outlined today is a thoughtful, comprehensive approach that manages to achieve that delicate balance of recognizing that businesses have to start resuming operations while doing so in the safest way possible for employees, as well as customers.
“When business suffers, employees and their families feel it – and this period has been especially hard for almost everyone. We have to begin to return to some sense of normalcy, and the governor’s gradual stages are the best way to achieve that.”
Of course, not everyone agrees with Holcomb’s plan, either in part or whole.
State Senate Democratic Leader Tim Lanane (D-Anderson) responded, in part: “While I understand that Hoosiers and businesses are anxious to get back to work, it is extremely important that the reopening of our economy is done with the utmost of caution. As the governor himself has said, the foremost guide must be safety first.
"After all the sacrifices those of us in Indiana have made, the last thing we want to do is open our economy prematurely and see a new wave of this virus as a result. Indiana is not out of the woods yet with COVID-19, and until Indiana starts to see a decrease in positive tests, it’s too soon to be reopening our state at the pace and in the manner described by the governor.”
Read Holcomb's entire plan at BackOnTrack.in.gov.
THANK TEACHERS & NURSES – According to our desk calendars, Tuesday is National Teacher Day and Wednesday is National Nurses Day.
The Indiana Department of Education on Friday announced a new social media campaign aimed at recognizing and promoting the work of Indiana educators for national Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4-8. The #IndianaLovesTeachers Social Media Campaign shines a spotlight on the dedication and meaningful work of teachers throughout our great state.
“It is now more important than ever to highlight the amazing work of Indiana educators,” said State Superintendent Dr. Jennifer McCormick, in part.
During this year’s Teacher Appreciation Week, IDOE is encouraging all Indiana residents to show their recognition and appreciation. From school and district leaders, parents and family members, to fellow teachers, community members and especially students, Hoosiers can post a written or video message recognizing an amazing teacher, while also sharing why their reason for celebration, and any other messages of support.
Messages should be posted to Twitter and Facebook using #IndianaLovesTeachers, and whenever possible, tag the handles of the recognized teacher, district and school, and include IDOE’s handle @EducateIN and the hashtag #IndianaLovesTeachers.
For more information regarding IDOE’s #IndianaLovesTeachers Social Media Campaign or for creative participation ideas, visit www.doe.in.gov/effectiveness/teacher-appreciation.
That has been even more apparent at the commissioners’ last two public meetings where no more than 10 people are allowed in the room at a time. That usually includes the three commissioners, the county administrator, county auditor, two media representatives and three others (usually department heads).
On Tuesday, when two representatives of American Bikers Aimed Toward Education came in for the proclamation recognizing May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, someone else had to go – at least temporarily. So Commissioner Brad Jackson sent Area Plan Director Dan Richard out of the room. Richard’s facial expression – though jokingly made – was priceless. Jackson later apologized to Richard and said he hoped he didn’t hurt his feelings.
“It’s really going to take more than that,” Richard replied.
Jackson noted that even Sheriff Kyle Dukes had to stand outside the room while the proclamation was going on.
“I like that,” Richard said, continuing the morning’s humor. “I like that.”
“No one can accuse us of not following the rules,” Jackson said.
TATTOO 4 U? – Speaking of Jackson, while he and Commissioner Bob Conley were discussing how barber shops could have been left open during the governor’s stay-at-home order (by allowing only one customer in at a time), Jackson noted he was still waiting for the tattoo shops to open to get his.
County Administrator Marsha McSherry humorously made sure we took note of Jackson’s comment.
Of course, Jackson was kidding and he later shared that he and his wife have an ongoing joke about getting matching tattoos that stems from the movie “Talladega Nights.”
STILL PLEDGING – Even with most public meetings being held virtually – via Zoom, Facebook or other social media – many boards are still starting out with a moment of silence or prayer, followed by the pledge of allegiance.
For its meeting Monday evening, the Warsaw School Board started out with a moment of silence and then the pledge. They didn’t say the pledge in unison, but they did get through it.
“That wasn’t awkward at all,” board Treasurer Jay Baumgartner said, eliciting a laugh not only from the other board members, but also those of us watching from elsewhere.
JOB AVAILABLE – The Watershed Foundation is seeking a motivated donor relations specialist to join its team.
TWF is a not-for-profit organization and relies on public support to continue its work for healthy lakes in the community.
The job posting can be found at https://watershedfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/TWF-2020-Donor-Relations-Position-4.3.20-1.pdf.
Anyone who applies for the position will get to work with Executive Director Lyn Crighton, North Webster, who was featured in an article for the May/June 2020 issue of Outdoor Indiana.
The article was brought to our attention by Warsaw City Councilwoman Diane Quance.
SUICIDE HOTLINE – U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) joined Senator Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) and 21 other U.S. Senators in a bipartisan, bicameral push to include S. 2661, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, in the next coronavirus relief package. The bipartisan legislation would designate 9-8-8 as the three-digit number for a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline.
“We write to request the inclusion of S. 2661/H.R. 4194, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, in the next COVID-19 relief package. The creation of this three-digit dialing code is essential in order to address the growing suicide crisis across the United States,” they wrote. “As our country is facing an unprecedented challenge in responding to COVID-19, this three-digit hotline would play a critical role in saving the lives of many vulnerable Americans who are facing mental health emergencies during this period of isolation and uncertainty. Suicide does not discriminate between rural and urban areas or by income, and it causes heartbreak and loss in communities in every single one of our states. We must ensure that we are doing everything we can to prevent these devastating outcomes from occurring, especially in these trying times as grief and uncertainty encompass our nation.”
The National Suicide Hotline Designation Act designates 9-8-8 as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which would include the Veterans Crisis Line for veteran-specific mental health support. The current National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Veterans Crisis line is 10-digits long, which is a barrier to Americans in crisis seeking support. The bill includes a report to improve support services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) youth and other high-risk populations.
COVID-19 VACCINES – On Friday, U.S. Senator Mike Braun sent a letter to Vice President Mike Pence and the White House Coronavirus Task Force asking the Task Force to commit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) – and specifically the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) at CDC — to immediately review, in real-time, any successful COVID-19 vaccine after it is authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Even after FDA authorization, ACIP and CDC must review and approve any new COVID-19 vaccine before it can be widely used in the U.S. civilian population.
“A vaccine is what we need most to get us back to business and normal life,” said Braun. “Academic institutions, researchers and the pharmaceutical industry have stepped up during this crisis to moved towards a successful vaccine – regulators need to as well. We need to ensure that federal regulators do their part to accelerate development and deployment of a vaccine instead of slowing it down,” the letter reads in part.
STUDENT VETERANS – U.S. Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN), member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee and House Armed Services Committee, applauded President Trump’s signing of the Student Veteran Coronavirus Response Act of 2020, which he co-sponsored.
“The spirit of the GI Bill is clear. If you serve your country, the United States will repay you with an education. During COVID-19, we need to ensure our student veterans don’t have to worry about housing costs as they complete their studies,” Banks said.
H.R. 6322 was introduced by Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA), chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. With many colleges moving to online instruction because of COVID-19, student-veterans who rely on work-study allowances to pay for necessities like rent and food are having trouble making ends meet. The bill ensures that students who cannot transition to online coursework maintain their GI Bill eligibility next semester, according to a news release from Banks’ office.
REOPENING INDIANA – Indiana Republican Party Chairman Kyle Hupfer released a statement Friday in response to Holcomb's phased Back on Track plan to reopen Indiana.
He said, “Today, Governor Holcomb outlined the most comprehensive, data-driven and well-thought-out plan for reopening a state in the entire country. Hoosiers have benefited from his steady, thoughtful leadership since day one of this pandemic. Governor Holcomb is getting us back on track and our state will emerge from this crisis stronger than ever before.”
Indiana Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kevin Brinegar commented, “What Governor Holcomb outlined today is a thoughtful, comprehensive approach that manages to achieve that delicate balance of recognizing that businesses have to start resuming operations while doing so in the safest way possible for employees, as well as customers.
“When business suffers, employees and their families feel it – and this period has been especially hard for almost everyone. We have to begin to return to some sense of normalcy, and the governor’s gradual stages are the best way to achieve that.”
Of course, not everyone agrees with Holcomb’s plan, either in part or whole.
State Senate Democratic Leader Tim Lanane (D-Anderson) responded, in part: “While I understand that Hoosiers and businesses are anxious to get back to work, it is extremely important that the reopening of our economy is done with the utmost of caution. As the governor himself has said, the foremost guide must be safety first.
"After all the sacrifices those of us in Indiana have made, the last thing we want to do is open our economy prematurely and see a new wave of this virus as a result. Indiana is not out of the woods yet with COVID-19, and until Indiana starts to see a decrease in positive tests, it’s too soon to be reopening our state at the pace and in the manner described by the governor.”
Read Holcomb's entire plan at BackOnTrack.in.gov.
THANK TEACHERS & NURSES – According to our desk calendars, Tuesday is National Teacher Day and Wednesday is National Nurses Day.
The Indiana Department of Education on Friday announced a new social media campaign aimed at recognizing and promoting the work of Indiana educators for national Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4-8. The #IndianaLovesTeachers Social Media Campaign shines a spotlight on the dedication and meaningful work of teachers throughout our great state.
“It is now more important than ever to highlight the amazing work of Indiana educators,” said State Superintendent Dr. Jennifer McCormick, in part.
During this year’s Teacher Appreciation Week, IDOE is encouraging all Indiana residents to show their recognition and appreciation. From school and district leaders, parents and family members, to fellow teachers, community members and especially students, Hoosiers can post a written or video message recognizing an amazing teacher, while also sharing why their reason for celebration, and any other messages of support.
Messages should be posted to Twitter and Facebook using #IndianaLovesTeachers, and whenever possible, tag the handles of the recognized teacher, district and school, and include IDOE’s handle @EducateIN and the hashtag #IndianaLovesTeachers.
For more information regarding IDOE’s #IndianaLovesTeachers Social Media Campaign or for creative participation ideas, visit www.doe.in.gov/effectiveness/teacher-appreciation.
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