The Governor has mandated the wearing of masks beginning Monday, July 27th. As White County is seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases, it is important that we all work together to get our schools open and our businesses back on track. I support the Governor in taking this step and am urging residents of Monticello, White County and Indiana to comply with the Governor’s order to "Mask Up".

Take a look back to our April 3rd "Be A Hero" video:



ASL Video of the 'Be A Hero' message (Katherine Tardiff, ADA/Title IV Coordinator)

The City of Monticello is asking our residents for assistance to complete this survey as we apply for an OCRA (Office of Community and Rural Affairs) grant that could provide over $240,000.00 in small business grant relief for businesses in Monticello with 20 or less employees.

The link to the survey is:  https://forms.gle/XdWa7uqoqqmM4kjB6

The City of Monticello will delay the re-opening of city offices for at least one week. This delay is part of our continuing effort to insure the safety of our employees and community as we see increased numbers in social gatherings and positive COVID-19 cases. City offices will continue to provide city services with essential personnel and through remote and virtual meetings.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation and remind you to "mask up" to keep yourself and others safe.

City leaders are re-opening city hall on Monday, July 13, 2020 at 8:00 am, with mitigation protocols in place. Visitors to city hall are required to wear face coverings if attending a meeting or plan to spend time in department offices.

White County is seeing confirmed cases increase, but not at an alarming rate so far. Of course, this is a very fluid situation and could change at any time.

We thank you for your cooperation as we all adjust to a new way of safely providing services to our residents. We will get through this together!

The City of Monticello is proud to announce $55,000.00 of loans assisting Monticello small businesses.  The monies, established by the 'Economic Development Income Tax Fund' (EDIT Fund), were earmarked to:

• promote employment opportunities
• and/or retain/expanding current businesses

The list of businesses receiving loans are:

• Alex's Apparel - Jeff Alexander
• Ashley's Massage & Yoga - Ashley Tincher
• Best's Bowling Center - Ryan and Melissa Best
• BJ's Nails - BJ Wray
• Buschman's Service Center - Paul and Shirley Buschman
• Day & Knight Fitness - Robert Phillips
• Down the Street Bar - Alex and Michelle Hughes
• Frankie Rupe School of Guitar - Frankie Rupe
• It's Just a Flesh Wound - Buddy Wicker
• Maximum Tan - Heather Crowe
• Monticello Community Radio, Inc. - Laura Page
• Necessities - Ingrid Landis
• New Directions Salon & Spa - Susan Alpha
• Pins & Needles on Main - Karen Tiede
• Reclaim Dames & An Udder Sensation - Sharon McKinley
• Rugies Dugout - Salina Vargus
• Skipper's Frozen Yogurt - Skip and Amy Sturgeon
• Slot Farms - Tracy Davidson
• Twin Lakes Cinema - Timothy Luby

  Visit the Monticello-Union Township Public Library Website
  Monticello-Union Township Public Library Facebook Page
  Monticello-Union Township Public Library YouTube Channel

The Monticello-Union Township Public Library is pleased to announce the soft reopening plan for the library. On June 1st, the library will open to the public with limited hours. Patrons will be able to come in the library during these open hours, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. closed for cleaning and then open 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and closed for cleaning and then open from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. with Saturday open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This is a 30 minute grab and go situation. You have the ability to come in and use the facilities and check out materials in a convenient time frame. Masks are recommended. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The Library will monitor the number of people within the building.

For patrons who are not ready to come in the library, please feel free to continue using our Curbside Service. Patrons can call the library and request up to 10 items to be checked out. Staff will search for your items, then call you back to reserve a pick-up time. Staff will not accept returns from the vehicle; they will need to be returned to the book drop. Hours for Curbside will be during the limited hours, Monday – Friday, 10 am – 1 pm, 3 pm – 5 pm, Tuesday and Thursday 10 am – 1 pm, 3 pm – 7 pm, and Saturday 10 am to 2 pm.

All items being returned to the library will be placed into quarantine for 3 days and checked in on the 4th day. Due to this quarantine process, your account may not be current.

Thank you for your support during this time! For more information, please visit the library’s website for the full soft reopening plan. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the library at 574-583-2665. Visit our Facebook page for information on upcoming events and our YouTube channel to watch book reviews, storytimes, cooking, and exploring our resources.

  Take the 2020 Census

The City of Monticello, Indiana is participating in the U.S. Census 2020. Here are some brief facts about this year's census:

• The U.S. Constitution mandates a Census count must be held every ten years.
• The data is used to allocate federal dollars which have direct impact on planning for schools, transportation, health programs, and other community needs.
• Census data is also used to draw districts which translates to Congressional seats.
• The Census will be available in 13 different languages online.
• The Census Bureau will provide support in 59 different languages.
• It is safe and easy to complete.
• Your answers are confidential.

Your response is important to our city.  The data from the census is used to allocate federal money for schools, special transportation services, health programs and other needs within our community.  We urge everyone to respond to the Census, which can be securely and safely online.

Video Assistance (English):

Video Assistance (Español):

Video Assistance (American Sign Language ASL):

  Review the Governor's Back on Track Indiana - Stage 3 Document (May 22nd - June 13th)

What Can Be Open Right Now?

• Campgrounds may be open with social distancing limitations.
• Restaurants and bars that serve food may be open at 50% capacity
• Retail stores may operate at 75% capacity. Examples include apparel, furniture, and jewelry stores.
• Community tennis and basketball courts, soccer and baseball fields, and similar facilities may be open with social distancing guidelines.
• Outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, birding, hunting, and bicycle riding are permitted.

What is Closed Right Now?

• Bars and nightclubs
• Cultural, entertainment, and venues
• Playgrounds
• Amusement parks, water parks, and tourism sites
• Festivals, fairs, and parades
• Movie theaters

Guidelines During Stage 3

• Social gatherings of 100 people may take place following the CDC social distancing guidelines
• Hoosiers 65 and over with high-risk health conditions should limit exposure in their communities.
• It is recommended that residents wear face coverings in public settings.
• There are no travel restrictions.

Reopening Schedule

Updated June 4th, 2020

  Review entire Parks Reopening Schedule - June 2020 (Updated June 4th)

The Monticello Parks & Recreation Reopening Schedule is only a guide and may change based on direction given by the Governor, Mayor, and or Monticello Parks Board. How we proceed from here will ultimately be determined by our actions as a community and how they affect the containment/spread of this virus. It appears that our area of the state is lagging behind on the Coronavirus curve. With that said, in most areas, our plan will reflect a delayed Governor’s plan and will move forward as follows.

1. June 8th - Restroom facilities open to the public - This will allow time for seasonal park staff to be scheduled and restroom preparations for public use to be completed.
2. June 12th - Basketball courts / sand volleyball courts to be opened.
3. June 15th - Park playgrounds begin reopening as new surfacing is installed and initial cleaning of the playground equipment is completed.
4. July 4th – Reservation of park facility and field usage to resume – A signed waiver will be required for organized activities & reservations.
5. Parks programing will resume in July - Social distancing and face masks are required until further notice.
6. Trails remain open – Face masks are recommended.
7. Fishing piers and kayak docks remain open – Face masks are recommended while on site.

Monticello City Pool

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and concerns for the health and safety of pool patrons and their families, the Parks Board has made the difficult decision not to open the City Pool for the 2020 season. Park and Pool staff will be making improvements to the facility this season in preparation for opening in the Spring of 2021.

Personal Responsibility

It is important that all individuals utilizing playground equipment and park facilities acknowledge that COVID-19 may be present. All patrons must take personal precautions in preventing the contraction and/or spread of the virus. Social distancing, wearing face masks, and washing of hands before and after playing on parks equipment or utilizing park facilities are strongly recommended and are necessary in helping to contain and defeat this virus.

  Read the Mayor's Proclamation on Mental Health
  Visit the new State of Indiana site 'Be Well Indiana' with a focus on Mental Health Support and Issues.

On May 1, 2020, Monticello Mayor Cathy Gross proclaimed May 2020 as Mental Health Month in our city.  She called upon the citizens, government agencies, public and private institutions, businesses and schools in the city to recommit our community to:

• increase the awareness and understanding of mental health
• to learn the steps our citizens can take to protect their mental health
• to focus the need for appropriate and accessible services for all people with mental health conditions

Citizens are encouraged to review the proclamation and visit the Be Well Indiana for an overview of Mental Health issues, assistance and support available.  The site also focuses on how the COVID-19 Pandemic and Mental Health are related.

  Official "Light Monticello Blue for Essential Workers Day" Proclamation - City of Monticello

On Monday, April 20th, Monticello Mayor Cathy Gross asked all citizens to “Light Monticello Blue for Essential Workers.” Mayor Gross said, “The purpose of this proclamation is to honor and support essential workers that are risking their health during the COVID-19 Pandemic.” All essential workers are honored including the public safety & first responders, truck drivers, factory workers, postal/delivery personnel, and restaurant, grocery, retail and pharmacy workers.

Today as we close the official #LightItBlue campaign, we wish to again honor, support and thank our essential workers during the current COVID-19 crisis.

The symbol selected to show our thanks was prepared for the Monticello Police Department by the CDC Group Residence on Countrybrook Drive.  They created a wreath with all of the officers names on it.  The Police and Fire Department made a special visit to them on Tuesday.

Let this wreath continue to show our support to all essential workers and volunteers whether protecting our city, stocking our shelves, or making cloth masks.  You are appreciated ... each one of you.

THANK YOU!

Community partnerships continue to improve the lives of our residents, even as we go through the challenges that the COVID-19 coronavirus present.

Visual Edge IT and Lightstream have partnered with the Monticello City Parks to provide Free WiFi at the south end of the City Park from 8:00 am-7:00 pm to provide access for students and families that have no internet.

We are so blessed to have such actively engaged community partners that are willing in these uncertain times to provide a resource for our residents. Thank you is not sufficient.

  Official "Light Monticello Blue for Essential Workers Day" Proclamation - City of Monticello
  Light Monticello Blue Printable Window Sign/Poster

On Monday, April 20th, Monticello Mayor Cathy Gross is announcing a proclamation asking all citizens to “Light Monticello Blue for Essential Workers.” Mayor Gross said, “The purpose of this proclamation is to honor and support essential workers that are risking their health during the COVID-19 Pandemic.” All essential workers are honored including the public safety & first responders, truck drivers, factory workers, postal/delivery personnel, and restaurant, grocery, retail and pharmacy workers.

Please demonstrate your support by “showing your blue” in your home, front yards, doorsteps, or businesses.

• Residents can use blue lights, ribbons, and holiday decorations.
• Children can make sidewalk chalk drawings or yard/window signs showing support.
• Encourage your family to have a ‘blue day’ and wear blue clothing, bandanas, or face paint.
• Everyone is also encouraged to post “Light It Blue” photos on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter (with the hashtags #LightItBlue and #INThisTogether) to show online support of health care workers, first responders, and essential workers.

“Light Monticello Blue for Essential Workers” will continue from April 20th thru April 30th, 2020. As essential workers travel the community or drive to/from work our ‘Light It Blue’ moments are small ways in which we can thank and recognize them.

This video in American Sign Language (ASL) contains information from Mayor Cathy Gross, Fire Chief Galen Logan, and Chief of Police Jason Lingenfelter. Topics include the new mask policy for city employees, what residents can do to protect themselves, and how the police department is changing its procedures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus while still protecting and serving our community.

  Review latest executive order here.

Summary

As a part of this action, Gov. Holcomb also extended for two weeks the orders that limit in-person public activity at state government offices and put restrictions on the operation of restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

While the Stay At Home order chiefly continues as is, modifications and restrictions have been made to limit interactions among people. Here are some highlights of EO 20-18:

• Retail businesses (A list of such businesses is included in the executive order) that provide necessities of life may remain open but should:
  • limit the number of customers in the establishment at any given time
  • implement hours for elderly and other vulnerable populations
  • limit hours of operation to restock and clean
  • comply with all mitigation measures to protect employees and the public.
• All other retail business may remain open if they restrict sales to online or call-in ordering with delivery or curbside pickup.
• Professional services should be conducted virtually or by telephone.
• All campgrounds will be closed except for those who use recreational vehicles or cabins as their primary residence.
• State parks remain open to daily visitors.
• Hoosiers are reminded that all public and private gatherings of any kind that include more than 10 people are prohibited.

Our neighbors need us. From the service professionals without childcare to the small business owners experiencing loss of income, we see the mounting pressure of community recovery ahead.

We are here to help.

The White County United Way Board of Trustees has elected to establish a Community Relief Fund to support those agencies and programs who are most impacted by the closures and increased demand for services.

If you would like to make a donation to this discretionary community fund, please follow the links on this page to submit payment to our PayPal portal. Between March 19 and the end of the State of Emergency, all donations made through our online links to PayPal will be earmarked for community-based relief of the negative effects of our Covid-19 Emergency. We thank you for your contributions and your dedication to our community in these trying times.

Together, we win!

For the families of Twin Lakes School there will be an extra food distribution from the Twin Lakes School Pantry on Wednesday, March 18 from 2:00 to 6:00 at Woodlawn door 4. Contact Patty Godlove cell (765) 543-9188 with questions.

For those who would like to support the TL Food Pantry, the most efficient and effective donation is money. You can donate to Food Finders Food Bank and for donation purpose, type “Twin Lakes Schools Food Pantry”. The funds will go into an account for our pantry. During these uncertain times, let’s together lift up our entire community. Link to donation page: https://www.food-finders.org/give/

  Click to review the City of Monticello Coronavirus Information Page.

The City of Monticello has opened a coronavirus information page.  The purpose of this page is to:

• Provide City News concerning the coronavirus including press releases, event cancellations, and general public health and safety information.
• Provide key documents related to the coronavirus
• Provide links to Federal/State web resources on the coronavirus.

This page will be updated as new information is released.

Mayor Gross was recently interviewed by Colby Smock at Twin Lakes High School.  Mrs. Laura Rogers is the faculty sponsor of the YouTube interview.  Watch it here: