Governor Holcomb extends public health emergency
Governor Eric J. Holcomb signed Executive Orders 21-16 & 21-17. Executive Order 21-16 extends the public health emergency and Executive Order 21-17 rescinds all directives in previous orders and then outlines a limited number of directives necessary to support the state’s health care system and vaccination program. It also provides additional financial assistance for health and welfare programs, specifically, the second order allows certain individuals who otherwise would not be eligible to administer COVID-19 vaccinations. It also allows the state to continue to receive pandemic emergency funds for programs such as the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Both Executive Orders last until July 31.
Indiana University Auditorium to reopen in the Fall
Indiana University Auditorium is reopening this fall to welcome audiences back through their doors this October for the launch of the 2021–2022 season. The season features a collection of hit Broadway musicals, award-winning musicians, family favorites, dance, and more. The 2021–2022 season has something for everyone, including Tony Award-winning Broadway musicals Anastasia and Jersey Boys. Other musicals scheduled include the highly-anticipated performances of Waitress, Beautiful – The Carole King Musical, An Officer and a Gentlemen, and The Prom.
IU Auditorium will also present a diverse array of other can’t-miss performances for audiences to enjoy, including Emmy and Tony Award-winning singer and actress Kristin Chenoweth, a night of laughs with comedian and actor from The Hangover films and Crazy Rich Asians Ken Jeong, music by Grammy Award-winning groups St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Silkroad Ensemble, holiday season concerts by Straight No Chaser and the IU Singing Hoosiers, a tour stop by fan-favorite Blue Man Group, a performance by the world-renowned Martha Graham Dance Company, and so much more.
New this season, IU Auditorium subscribers now have the opportunity to select their own seats! Loyalty Points members and new subscribers will be able to place their orders and select their seats before tickets go on sale to the general public. This new process is explained online at IUauditorium.com/Subscribe
DNR confirms 4th Black Bear in state
DNR biologists have confirmed a black bear sighting that occurred in northeast Vanderburgh County before sunrise this morning. The closest town to the location is Elberfeld, in Warrick County. Biologists confirmed the bear from photos taken by the landowner. “This is Indiana’s fourth confirmed black bear,” said Brad Westrich, DNR mammalogist. “With expanding bear populations in neighboring states, this is expected. “Human-bear conflicts can be avoided if you remove or secure potential food sources from your yard. Bears can smell food from more than a mile away.” Black bears are rarely aggressive toward humans.
If you see a black bear:
- Do not feed it.
- Observe it from a distance.
- Do not climb a tree.
- Advertise your presence by shouting and waving your arms and backing slowly away.
- Report bear sightings to the Indiana Division of Fish & Wildlife at https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/wildlife-resources/animals/report-a-mammal/
Most problems that occur with bears arise when bears associate food sources with humans and lose their fear of people. More guidelines for reducing or eliminating the potential for bear-human conflicts:
- Remove bird feeders and bird food if a bear is reported in your area.
- Clean and store away grills after use.
- Eliminate food attractants by placing garbage cans inside a garage or shed.
- Pick ripe fruits and vegetable as soon as possible or place an electric fence around them to ensure bears cannot reach them.
- Consolidate beehives you may have and place an electric fence around them.
- Don’t leave pet food outside overnight.
- Don’t add meat or sweets to a compost pile.
- Don’t climb a tree if you encounter a bear; wait in a vehicle or building for the bear to leave the area.
More information on black bears is at https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/wildlife-resources/animals/black-bear/