These are highlights of today's news that affects our local community.  Please check National and State websites for more detail information.  Links are listed in the web resources area on this page.

Local closings reported include the United Methodist Church and Parks Programs.  See closings

State of Indiana - Directives from Governor Holcomb

• Recommends no in-person events of more than 50 people. (Update March 17 - CDC [Fed. Gov.] guidelines are more than 10 people.)
• Bars, nightclubs and restaurants are required to close to in-person patrons and may provide take-out and delivery services through the end of March
• Hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers should cancel and/or postpone elective and non-urgent surgical procedures immediately.
• The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites will close to the public beginning Tuesday. Indiana state parks and recreation centers, including state park inns, remain open. Restaurants will convert operations to take-out and delivery.

Please visit the following web page for more of the Governor's recommendations including information on unemployment insurance, etc.

General questions from the public or health care provider inquiries about COVID-19 may be directed to the ISDH COVID-19 Call Center at the toll-free number 877-826-0011 (available 24/7) or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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.

  Click here for an entire listing of Closings related to COVID-19

The four White County Superintendents have been in constant communication today about the recent developments with the ongoing spread of COVID-19.

• During the week of March 16th, Monday through Thursday will be eLearning days and Friday is planned as a waiver day.
• On Monday, March 30, 2020 we plan to use another waiver day and reassess the situation with other White County Superintendents.
• All facilities will be completely closed beginning at 12:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 14, 2020 until 7:00 A.M. on Wednesday, March 18, 2020.

Following this closure of the buildings, support staff will reenter to begin disinfecting procedures. Twin Lakes School Corporation continues to take steps to protect the health and safety of our students and staff.

Due to the coronavirus situation and the goal of "social distancing", the City of Monticello Council and the Board of Works are moving meetings from City Hall to the White County Government Building, 2nd Floor, Commissioners Room. The meeting times of 5:30 pm BOW and 6:00 pm Council will not change.

3/13/2020

Press Release from the Office of Mayor Cathy Gross

Subject: Coronavirus and Flu Prevention

The City of Monticello cares about our residents, employees, and guests.

The Coronavirus is a type of virus that includes symptoms of fever, muscle aches, fatigue, cough and shortness of breath. It will more quickly infect those that are already health compromised like older adults, those already sick, or anyone with a weakened immune system. Like most other viruses, it is spread through human contact. For this reason, practicing the following precautions could help limit your risk of exposure:

• Wash your hands, starting with your fingertip, often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• Use hand sanitizer correctly
• Keep your distance - particularly from others who might be sick (6+ feet is recommended)
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash; or cough or sneeze into your arm or shoulder
• Stay home if you don't feel well
• Call your health care provider and follow their instructions. If your health insurance has the option for Teladoc or other online capabilities, please take advantage of that service.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) the COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking water. Conventional water treatment methods that use filtration and disinfection, such as those in most municipal drinking water systems, should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.

You can find more information at:
Indiana State Department of Health. https://www.in.gov/isdh/28470.htm
Center for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

We will continue to monitor the situation, and provide updates as necessary. We will also post updates on our city website: http://www2.monticelloin.gov

Mayor Cathy Gross
City of Monticello

  Review and Download the Press Release

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:

Infrastructure is key for attracting and retaining businesses and industries. Along with roads, and drinking water; wastewater conveyance and treatment completes the trilogy of City provided infrastructure components. In addition, reliable and effective wastewater treatment is vital for protecting the Tippecanoe River and Lake Freeman.

The Wastewater Utility maintains and operates over 36 miles of storm and sanitary sewers, multiple pump stations, and a Class III wastewater treatment plant that is in the process of its third major upgrade since it was originally built in 1950.

Click to learn more about your Wastewater Treatment Dept. ...

SOMA invites the community to attend its 2nd Annual Holiday Tour of Homes on Sunday, December 14th from 4pm to 7pm.  
The Holiday Tour will begin at the Monticello Fire Department at 911 West South Street.  This year's theme is 'A Country Christmas' and will feature a live nativity scene at one of the six stops on the tour.

The tour showcases the following homes:

• Mark and Kathy Kelly's Home - Live Nativity Scene featuring the Monticello Christian Church Players and the Kelly's horses, zonkey, donkey, sheep, alpaca, and camel.
• Connie Pampel's 1918 Farmhouse (The Sanctuary)
• George and Libby Green's 1870 Home
• Dave and Nancy Jordan's Brandywine Inn & Suites
• Trent and Autumn Whitaker's Rustic Home
• Bob and Laurie Webster's Lake Freeman Home

Tickets for the tour are $10 each and may be purchased at WMRS, Springer-Voorhis-Draper Funeral Home, and the Greater Monticello Chamber of Commerce.  Tickets may also be purchased on the day of the event at the Monticello Fire Department.

The City of Monticello is proud to present its new events calendar.  The calendar lists upcoming events on our main web page and a more comprehensive listing inside.  You will find:

• City Events (Council and Board of Works Meetings)
• Parks Events (Summer Programs)
• Twin Lakes Area Events (The Spirit of Monticello Festival and more)

This listing is mobile-friendly and each calendar can be added to your smartphone or desktop calendar by clicking the "Subscribe" button and following the prompt.

The community is encouraged to suggest an community-based, public event for addition to the calendar.  Simply fill out the form and submit your event.

  Review the Events Calendar Listing here.
  Suggest an Event