FRANKFORT, Ind. – Santa made a stop at the new IU Health Frankfort Hospital to deliver meals to all employees. The meals were prepared by C & R Catering with assistance from Connecting Point Church.
Prior to delivering meals to the Hospital, a delivery was made to the Frankfort Fire Department.
In total, 157 meals were delivered to front line workers.
From all of us at ClintonCountyToday.com we wish you a Happy Festivus!
FRANKFORT, Ind. – A proposed $200 million solar project, to be located in the northeast portion of Clinton County, took another step closer to breaking ground when the six members of the County’s Area Plan Commission gave unanimous approval Thursday evening, at the Edward Jones Community Building located at the Fairgrounds, of the Chicago-based Invenergy, LLC development plan of their Hardy Hills Solar project.
The Hardy Hills Solar project would be constructed on 1,778 acres within the previously approved solar overlay district on land around Kilmore, extending as far west as N. Co. Road 130 W., as far east as N. Co. Road 100 E., north just beyond E. Co. Road 500 N., and as far south as E. Co. Road 250 N.
“Even though the project has leased a little less than 1,800 acres, because of all of the various things that are happening on the land – flood plans, wetlands, transmission line, setback areas from houses, drainage ditches and just various things that we are avoiding – wooded lots, we are only putting panels at a little less than 1,200 acres,” said Katya Samoteskul, manager of renewable development with Invenergy LLC.
“The other parts, the large areas will be released to the landowners if they want to farm it again or they will be vegetated and it will be part of the project, but will not be actually used for panels.”
In addition to the solar overlay district previously put in place, the various Clinton County government bodies had given approval with respect to the drainage plan, a road use agreement, and a property tax abatement and economic development agreement.
This will be the largest single investment in Clinton County according to Samoteskul.
“The project would be about $200 million investment so a very significant investment in Clinton County,” said Samoteskul. “In terms of property taxes that we are estimating the project will pay – about $38 million over its life, 35-years. Then we are also going to be paying $3.1 million in economic development payments.
“So, property taxes would go to the taxing districts – the school, the township, the roads, the County. The economic development payments are just the money that the County gets and then decides how to spend it.
“And to put this into some perspective, unlike other investments that would require County services, a solar project doesn’t require any inputs from the County – there is no investment in roads, or sewage treatment plants, or kids to educate – it’s all just an added benefit to the County because it doesn’t have to spend any money to bring us here.”
The project will create 3 to 4 permanent, local operations and maintenance jobs according to the presentation given. During the construction phase, some 200 to 250 workers will be on site.
An estimated $60 million in payments to participating landowners will be made over the life of the project.
“We have spent almost a year now working on this and trying to get it right,” said Dan Sheets, president of the APC and Clinton County Surveyor. “And, I think we are as close as we could hope to ever to get this project right. I think this will be a great benefit for Clinton County. I am excited about it, I think it is going to be a fantastic deal.
“We believe this project will be a benefit to the County. We’re looking at additional tax revenue. For me personally, it is stabilization of the ground out there. There is some rough farm ground where we do have erosion problems particularly over some of our legal drains and this will solve that problem.
“I believe once it is here for a few years you won’t notice it being here and all in all it is a really green project. I know we need this. I have talked to my children and their friends about this – they are the future. This is what they see and this is what they want. I think we did the right thing tonight.”
Jordan Brewer, Clinton County District 3 Commissioner and member of the APC, spoke of the work that has gone into this multi-year project.
“I think it is a great day for Clinton County,” said Brewer. “There’s a lot of people that have been involved in this process. It started all the way back in 2017 and we’re finally here where we’re moving forward with the development of the solar project.
“I think from a Commissioner’s standpoint, these are the type of infrastructure [projects] that we have to bring to our community to continue to grow and to grow our revenue base and our economic development going forward.”
Prior to construction beginning, there are two additional items that need to be completed. First, agreement on a decommissioning plan. The decommissioning plan is required by County ordinance and outlines how the project will end once it reaches its life span and requires a bond to be posted before construction with an adjustment of the bond amount every 5 years.
The final item is the actual construction permits. The projected time for permitting is winter 2020 with construction to begin late 2021 and continue through mid-2023 with operations to go online in mid-2023.
Although construction is still months away, Invenergy has made donations within the community.
“We have donated to the YMCA at the beginning of COVID,” said Samoteskul. “We heard that they were helping with childcare to essential workers and we also contributed to the EMS building that the County is planning to build on the eastern side. We heard that was important. Typically, once these projects are operational our technicians live in the community because it is an everyday job and there is always some sort of programs or dinners or sponsorship that we do for a local community.”
FRANKFORT, Ind – Two Clinton County zip codes, 46041 and 46065, are identified as COVID-19 hotspots here in Indiana according to a revised statewide map published Tuesday, November 17th.
Using data from the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), Micah Pollak, Associate Professor of Economics at Indiana University Northwest, published a revised statewide map on Tuesday showing the average weekly new COVID-19 cases over a 4-week period by zip code in Indiana. Professor Pollak was assisted in this project by Susan Batt, 13 Investigates & Special Projects Producer at WTHR.
The method of determining a numerical value by zip code looked at the average new weekly cases over a 4-week period, from October 19th through November 15th. Then zip code population data available from 2018 population tables published by the U.S. Census Bureau was used to allow each zip code to be analyzed evenly. A statistical method used commonly known as occurrences in 1,000. In this instance, the weekly average of new COVID-19 cases per 1,000 people.
The result was the grouping of results across 7 bands, 0-0.75, 0.75-1.5, 1.5-2.25, 2.25-3.0, 3.0-3.75, 3.75-4.5, and 4.5+. Clinton County zip code 46041 and 46065 fell within the 4.5+ band. Other Clinton County zip codes appearing in grouping bands included zip codes 46058 (3.0-3.75 band), and 46050 (2.25-3.0 band).
Like each of the previous maps, this revised map shows the current spread of COVID-19 with the respective zip code for the time period. According to Pollak, “Since each map reflects new cases, they effectively measure where cases are growing the fastest during each period, not necessarily where total cases are the highest. If it helps, you can think of each map within the graphic as showing the “hot spots” during that time.”
This recent map reflected a need to change the color code scale and add a new color to best capture the grouping. “[The] colors are not directly comparable due to the rise in cases,” said Pollak. “Darkest red has gone from 1.4 and above on original to 3.75-4.5 now AND I added new color (black) for 4.5+.”
The following is the most recent zip code data by count only as pulled on November 17, 2020.
46035 Colfax: Suppressed
46039 Forest: Suppressed
46041 Frankfort: 995 cases
46050 Kirklin: 42 cases
46057 Michigantown: Suppressed
46058 Mulberry: 130 cases
46065 Rossville: 112 cases
46067 Sedalia: No cases
Note: Suppression occurs when there are either less than 5 COVID cases to a zip code or the zip code’s population is less than 1,500.
Today, November 17, the ISDH reported an additional 24 Clinton County residents had tested positive bringing the total count to 1,512 since the beginning of the pandemic.
FRANKFORT, Ind. – A Frankfort native that joined the Indiana National Guard in 2005 and attended basic and advanced individual training at Fort Sill, OK, and later succumbed to the injuries from an enemy sniper while on foot patrol in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan will be honored on Saturday, November 7th, when the bridge on Walnut Avenue, west of Old Stoney, is renamed the “Staff Sergeant Jamie Jarboe Memorial Bridge”. The bridge dedication is open to the public and will take place at 11 a.m. in the parking lot of Old Stoney, 301 E. Clinton Street, Frankfort, according to Joe Root, Clinton County Veteran Service Officer.
Staff Sgt. Jamie Jarboe, a 2003 graduate of Frankfort High School, died March 21, 2012, at the age of 27, in Topeka, Kansas, from wounds suffered on April 10, 2011, in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, when enemy forces attacked his unit with small-arms fire.
He was deployed to Afghanistan only months before he was shot in the neck by a sniper’s bullet, an injury that left him a quadriplegic, which required him to undergo more than 100 surgeries in the 12 months before he succumbed to his injuries.
The Indiana Senate passed a resolution urging the Indiana Department of Transportation to rename the bridge in March 2020.
The resolution outlined Staff Sgt. Jarboe’s dedication to service. “Staff Sergeant Jarboe’s dedication and devotion to service was recognized with the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal (three Oak Leaf Clusters), the Army Achievement Medal, the Good Conduct Medal (two Oak Leaf Clusters), the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal (1CS), the Iraq Campaign Medal (3CS), the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal (M Device), the NCO Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat Action Badge, the Air Assault Badge, and the Expert Marksmanship Badge (Rifle).”
The resolution concluded with, “A soldier’s soldier, Staff Sergeant Jarboe dedicated his life to his country and his family; and throughout history, brave individuals like Staff Sergeant Jamie Jarboe have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom throughout the world, and without individuals like Staff Sergeant Jamie Jarboe, freedom could not survive.”
The bridge dedication will include the following speakers: US Congressman James Baird, Indiana State Senator Jim Buck for District 21, Indiana State Senator Brian Buchanan for District 7, Indiana State Representative Heath VanNatter for District 38, Andy Jarboe – Staff Sgt. Jarboe’s father, Joe H Root – Clinton County Veterans Officer, Josh Uitts – President Clinton County Commissioners, Mayor Judy Sheets of Frankfort, and Mark Griffith President Clinton County Historical Society.
A meet and greet at the Clinton County Historical Society inside Old Stony will be held after the dedication with refreshments provided by DAR Chapter, Captain Harmon Aughe.
The Indiana Senate resolution can be found at the link below:
http://in-proxy.openstates.org/2020/bills/SR0057/versions/SR0057.02.COMS
The text of the resolution is available below as a convenience.
March 10, 2020
Second Regular Session 121st General Assembly (2020)
SENATE RESOLUTION No. 57
A SENATE RESOLUTION urging the Indiana Department of Transportation to rename the bridge at State Road 28 (Walnut Avenue) in Frankfort the “Staff Sergeant Jamie Jarboe Memorial Bridge”.
Whereas, Staff Sergeant Jamie Jarboe died March 21, 2012, at the age of 27, in Topeka, Kansas, from wounds suffered on April 10, 2011, in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, when enemy forces attacked his unit with small-arms fire;
Whereas, A 2003 graduate of Frankfort High School, Staff Sergeant Jarboe was a member of the 4th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Infantry Division from Fort Riley known as the Pale Riders;
Whereas, Staff Sergeant Jarboe joined the Indiana National Guard in 2005 and attended basic and advanced individual training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma;
Whereas, Staff Sergeant Jarboe’s military assignments included B Battery, 1st Battalion, 320 Field Artillery at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and Troop A, 4th Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team;
Whereas, Staff Sergeant Jamie Jarboe was deployed to Afghanistan only months before he was shot in the neck, an injury that left him a quadriplegic, which required him to undergo more than 100 surgeries in the 12 months before he succumbed to his injuries;
Whereas, Staff Sergeant Jarboe’s dedication and devotion to service was recognized with the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal (three Oak Leaf Clusters), the Army Achievement Medal, the Good Conduct Medal (two Oak Leaf Clusters), the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal (1CS), the Iraq Campaign Medal (3CS), the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal (M Device), the NCO Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat Action Badge, the Air Assault Badge, and the Expert Marksmanship Badge (Rifle);
Whereas, A soldier’s soldier, Staff Sergeant Jarboe dedicated his life to his country and his family;
Whereas, Throughout history, brave individuals like Staff Sergeant Jamie Jarboe have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom throughout the world, and without individuals like Staff Sergeant Jamie Jarboe, freedom could not survive: Therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate of the General Assembly of the State of Indiana:
SECTION 1. That the Indiana Senate urges the Indiana Department of Transportation to rename the bridge at State Road 28 (Walnut Avenue) in Frankfort the “Staff Sergeant Jamie Jarboe Memorial Bridge”.
SECTION 2. The Secretary of the Senate is hereby directed to transmit copies of this Resolution to the family of Staff Sergeant Jamie Jarboe and the Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Transportation.
FRANKFORT, Ind – A record number of Clinton County voters participated in the 2020 General Election – 65.08% of the 20,140 registered voters cast a ballot. The previous record was set in the 2016 General Election when 59% of registered voters turned out to vote.
There were only two local contested elections – both for seats on the Clinton Central School Board. In District 9, Joshua Davison defeated Kirk Long, 1,290 to 730. In District 11, Amy Shoup Mennen defeated Gavin Alexander Wellman, 1,552 to 552.
In statewide contests, Clinton County voters preferred Incumbent Governor Eric Holcomb (R) over challengers Dr. Woodrow Myers (D) and Donald Rainwater II (L). Holcomb garnered 7,971 votes compared to 2,514 for Rainwater and 2,406 for Myers.
Nationally, Clinton County cast votes nearly 3-to-1 in favor of President Trump over challenger Joe Biden, 9,334 to 3,361.
Below is the complete election result for votes cast by Clinton County voters.
Registered Voters: 20,140
Individuals Casting a Ballot: 13,107
Voter Turnout: 65.08%
Paper Absentee Count: 1,379
Walk-in Absentee Count: 7,685
Election Day Count: 4,043
US PRESIDENT & VP
Donald J. Trump / Michael R. Pence – Republican – 9,334
Joseph R. Biden / Kamala D. Harris – Democratic – 3,361
Jo Jorgensen / Jeremy (Spike) Cohen – Libertarian – 246
Write-In – 20
GOVERNOR & LT. GOVERNOR
Eric Holcomb / Suzanne Crouch – Republican – 7,971
Donald G. Rainwater II / William E. Henry – Libertarian – 2,514
Woodrow (Woody) Myers / Linda C. Lawson – Democratic – 2,406
ATTORNEY GENERAL
Todd Rokita – Republican – 9,269
Jonathan Weinzapfel – Democratic – 3,451
US REPRESENTATIVE, FOURTH DISTRICT
Jim Baird – Republican – 9,399
Joe Mackey – Democratic – 3,311
Write-In -10
STATE SENATOR, DISTRICT 07
Brian W. Buchanan – Republican – 9,586
Tabitha N. Bartley – Democratic – 3,112
STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 025
Donald J. Lehe – Republican – 2,147
Alex Sabol – Democratic – 706
STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 038
Heath R. VanNatter – Republican – 6,567
Tom Hedde – Democratic – 2,328
JUDGE, SUPERIOR COURT
Justin Harold Hunter – Republican – 10,905
COUNTY RECORDER
Elizabeth “Beth” J. Keeney – Republican – 10,851
COUNTY TREASURER
Gina Brettnacher – Republican – 10,639
COUNTY CORONER
Edward “Ed” Cripe – Republican – 10,741
COUNTY SURVEYOR
Dan Sheets – Republican – 10,646
COUNTY COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 1
Mark A Timmons – Republican – 10,676
COUNTY COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 2
Joshua Uitts – Republican – 10,584
COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER, AT LARGE
James M. “Mike” Hensley – Republican – 6,984
Clark A Beard – Republican – 6,463
Jeff Chynoweth – Republican – 6,196
SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER
Clinton Central School Board
Kyle C Rule – Non Partisan – District 08 – 1,910
Joshua A Davison Non Partisan – District 09 – 1,290
Kirk A Long – Non Partisan – District 09 – 730
Amy L Mennen – Non Partisan – District 11 – 1,552
Gavin A Wellman – Non Partisan – District 11 – 552
Travis J Robinson – Non Partisan – District 13 – 1,850
Clinton Prairie School Board
Bobbi M Elliott – Non Partisan – District 14 – 1,729
Adam J Beck – Non Partisan – District 15 – 1,660
David R Larsh – Non Partisan – District 16 – 1,845
Frankfort School Board
Karen Sutton – Non Partisan – District 1 – 514
James E Mcquade II – Non Partisan – District 2 – 536
Rossville School Board
Joseph L Hufford – Non Partisan – Clay Twp – 1,450
COURTS
IN Supreme Court – Goff
Yes – 7,678
No – 2,063
Court of Appeals District 2 – Bradford
Yes – 7,600
No – 2,037
Court of Appeals District 5 – Brown
Yes – 7,803
No – 1,851
Court of Appeals District 4 – May
Yes – 7,796
No – 1,831
Court of Appeals District 5 – Robb
Yes – 7,815
No – 1,836
STRAIGHT PARTY VOTES
Republican Party – 4,171
Democratic Party – 873
Libertarian Party – 4
FRANKFORT, Ind – The zip code 46041 within Clinton County continues to be a COVID-19 hotspot according to a revised statewide map published Tuesday, October 27th.
Using data from the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), Micah Pollak, Associate Professor of Economics at Indiana University Northwest, published a revised statewide map on Tuesday showing the average weekly new COVID-19 cases over a 4-week period by zip code in Indiana. Professor Pollak was assisted in this project by Susan Batt, 13 Investigates & Special Projects Producer at WTHR.
The method of determining a numerical value by zip code looked at the average new weekly cases over a 4-week period, from September 27th through October 25th. Then zip code population data available from 2018 population tables published by the U.S. Census Bureau was used to allow each zip code to be analyzed evenly. A statistical method used commonly known as occurrences in 1,000. In this instance, the weekly average of new COVID-19 cases per 1,000 people.
The result was the grouping of results across 6 bands, 0-0.5, 0.6-0.8, 0.8-1.0, 1.0-1.2, 1.2-1.4, and 1.4+. Clinton County zip code 46041 feel within the 1.4+ band. Other Clinton County zip codes appearing in grouping bands included zip codes 46065 (1.2-1.4 band), 46058 (0.8-1.0 band), and 46050 (0-0.6 band).
According to Pollak, “Over the same four most recent week (Sept. 27 to Oct. 25), the growth rate of cases NATIONALLY was 1.2 per 1,000 people.”
The following is the most recent zip code data by count only as pulled on October 28, 2020.
46035 Colfax: Suppressed
46039 Forest: Suppressed
46041 Frankfort: 557 cases (an increase of 92 cases since last week)
46050 Kirklin: 22 cases ((an increase of 3 cases since last week)
46057 Michigantown: Suppressed
46058 Mulberry: 99 cases (an increase of 5 cases since last week)
46065 Rossville: 42 cases (an increase of 11 cases since last week)
46067 Sedalia: No cases
Note: Suppression occurs when there are either less than 5 COVID cases to a zip code or the zip code’s population is less than 1,500.
Today, October 28, the ISDH reported an additional 17 Clinton County residents had tested positive bringing the total count to 952 since the beginning of the pandemic.
FRANKFORT – A zip code within Clinton County has been identified as a COVID-19 hotspot, specifically zip code 46041.
Using data from the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), Micah Pollak, Associate Professor of Economics at Indiana University Northwest, published a statewide map on Tuesday showing the average weekly new COVID-19 cases over a 4-week period by zip code in Indiana. Professor Pollak was assisted in this project by Susan Batt, 13 Investigates & Special Projects Producer at WTHR.
The method of determining a numerical value by zip code looked at the average new weekly cases over a 4-week period, from September 20th through October 18th. Then zip code population data available from 2018 population tables published by the U.S. Census Bureau was used to allow each zip code to be analyzed evenly. A statistical method used commonly known as occurrences in 100,000. In this instance, the weekly average of new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people.
The result was the grouping of results across 6 bands, 0-60, 60-80, 80-100, 100-120, 120-140, and 140+. Clinton County zip code 46041 feel within the 140+ band. Other Clinton County zip codes appearing in grouping bands included zip codes 46058 and 46065 in the 80-100 band and zip code 46050 in the 0-60 band.
The following is the most recent zip code data by count only as pulled on October 21, 2020.
46035 Colfax: Suppressed
46039 Forest: Suppressed
46041 Frankfort: 465 cases
46050 Kirklin: 19 cases
46057 Michigantown: Suppressed
46058 Mulberry: 94 cases
46065 Rossville: 31 cases
46067 Sedalia: No cases
Note: Suppression occurs when there are either less than 5 COVID cases to a zip code or the zip code’s population is less than 1,500.
Today, October 21, the ISDH reported an additional 14 Clinton County residents had tested positive bringing the total count to 829 since the beginning of the pandemic.
FRANKFORT, Ind – Clinton County is moving forward with a COVID-19 vaccination plan – a plan that is addressing the vaccination of as many as 40% or 50% of county residents once a vaccine is available.
As part of the readiness plan is the need for two trailers to not only transport the vaccines but to make the vaccination clinic mobile to communities throughout Clinton County. One trailer would transport and refrigerate the vaccines while the second would be used for transportation of equipment necessary to carry-out the clinics, like tents.
Rodney Wann, Clinton County Health Department Administrator, addressed the Clinton County Commissioners on Monday during their scheduled meeting at the Frankfort Clinton County Airport terminal regarding both the plan and the trailer.
“My guess it is six months,” Wann said when addressing the Commissioners as to when a vaccine might be here ready for public vaccinations. “We have been through [a campaign like] this before through H1N1 about 10 years or so ago.”
Wann explained the difference between the vaccination procedure with H1N1 and COVID-19. “This is probably a two-rounder. So for every one you give, you have to give another. The majority of the vaccines are going to be a two-dose situation. Unless something changes.”
The need for a trailer is to increase the mobilization of the Health Department to reach as many spots of the various communities while acknowledging vaccinations will have to be performed differently for COVID-19 versus those programs done in the past.
“A lot of the time, we have always tried to do them in a facility like the schools,” said Wann. “Having had just the testing facility run six or more months now, I know that there’s a bit of astigmatism toward having the testing site there right now in facilities like schools when we are trying to keep them open.”
Wann described the trailer for vaccinations as being custom built allowing not only vaccination distribution but ensuring correct temperature control for the vaccines. The trailer would have a mounted generator, two vaccine refrigerators, side windows on either side to allow for small drive thru set-ups, a ramp, and internet and communications equipment for approximately $87,000.
“(The trailer will be) put not only to full use during this current emergency that we’re in, but it would for years to come,” said Wann. He stated the trailer could be used as part of a yearly back-to-school immunization plan working with the various county school nurses ensuring children receive their required shots.
During the discussion questions regarding the time to manufacture the trailer took place between Wann and the commissioners. A set date has not been provided for when a trailer would be available. The commissioners discussed amongst themselves how the trailer would be paid for.
Clinton County Sheriff Rich Kelly, who was in attendance, addressed the commissioners and Wann to offer a solution while a manufacturing timeline can be ironed out as well as how the County would pay for the trailers.
Sheriff Kelly offered the use of the department’s new 37’ trailer and communications trailer. Wann agreed that may work should a trailer of their own not be ready when the vaccines become available.
After the meeting, Wann addressed how quickly they could be up and operational once a vaccine is available and they have equipment in place.
“We are already planning with the State Department of Health – we have been since about three weeks ago,” said Wann. “We’re already being told to be prepared for November – whether that happens or not we’re just going to go with what they tell us. I would say we would be operational within two to three weeks after we get our first doses if not before that.”
Wann said vaccinations would more than likely begin in Frankfort and move out towards other communities in the County.
“We would start in a centralized location – be more than likely Frankfort to start with – and work our way out from there based off of the priority groups,” said Wann. “As it becomes more widely available we’re going to try and get further out into each of the little towns – much like we used to do with flu clinics where we would make the rounds and go to each and every community.”
He anticipates as much as a 4x increase in COVID-19 vaccinations as compared to H1N1.
“I would hope to think if we get past the election and people start to realize they need to listen to the science and not the politicians on this – I would hope to think that we would be upwards of 40 or 50% of our County population wanting to get the vaccine meaning 15 to 16,000 – and two rounds,” said Wann. “That is a lot of vaccines.
“It won’t be done in a weekend and certainly be more of a season, maybe a quarter before we could get up to those numbers and at about the time you get them done, you have to turn around and give them that second dose again. We will be busy for several months once we get started.”
Their goal is 300 to 400 vaccinations per hour using between 20 and 40 vaccinators.
FRANKFORT, Ind – A federal lawsuit brought by Common Cause Indiana – a nonpartisan organization that works to promote open, ethical, and accountable government for every Hoosier – has now changed the way mail-in ballots will be accepted and counted across Indiana after a federal judge in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana ruled Wednesday, Sept. 29.
The ruling by federal judge Sarah Evans Barker now requires county election boards all across Indiana to count mail-in ballots as long as the envelope is postmarked on or before election day, November 3rd, and arrives no later than 10-days after the election, November 13. Previously, all mail-in ballots must have been received by the county election board by noon of election day to be counted – unless the ballot would come from overseas, where Indiana law allows for the ballot to be counted if received within 10-days post-election.
As of Monday, Sept. 14, there have been 765 valid requests for mail-in absentee ballots requested by Clinton County residents.
Common Cause Indiana argued the deadline imposed by Indiana law of noon on election day was “arbitrary” and would deprive thousands of their constitutional right to vote. The filing with the court cited the most recent May 2020 primary where 1,949 ballots were not counted in Marion and Hamilton counties because those ballots arrived after the noon deadline – also noted, those two counties account for 20% of the population of Indiana.
Judge Baker’s ruling specifically noted the argument by Common Cause Indiana: “Thousands of Indiana voters are at risk of being disenfranchised through no fault of their own because, even if they comply with Indiana’s absentee ballot application deadline and diligently complete and return their ballot upon receipt, there is still a significant likelihood that the ballot will not reach their county election board by noon on Election Day.”
Judge Baker addressed the State’s argument that voters could request mail-in absentee ballots earlier allowing for a greater amount of time for the ballot to arrive on-time. “Still others may intentionally wait until closer to Indiana’s October 22, 2020 statutory deadline for requesting their absentee ballot, not as a result of dilatoriness, but because they are undecided and therefore not ready to vote well in advance of the end of the presidential campaign or because Indiana’s deadline ‘is giving them a false sense of confidence in timely receipt.’ Defendants’ attempt to minimize the burden imposed by the noon Election Day receipt deadline on such voters by arguing that they could have prevented the problem by requesting their absentee ballot weeks in advance of the statutory deadline or by choosing instead to vote or return their ballot in person is unavailing.”
