Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb announced a five-stage, data-driven plan for reopening Indiana’s economy at his daily press briefing on Friday, May 1. His “Back on Track Indiana” plan details the criteria necessary to slowly resume normal activities without overwhelming healthcare systems as the virus continues to spread. Noting the quickly shifting nature of guiding our state through the pandemic, Holcomb said, “Of course, this road map is subject to change.”

Ripley County Commissioners voted at the May 4 meeting to begin a soft opening of their offices, following the guidelines of Ripley County Health Officer Dr. David Welsh. This means staff will be available, as they have been, but they will accept visitors by appointment only.

The April meeting of the Milan Board of School trustees was short with Superintendent Jane Rogers thanking the members for their cooperation with the virtual meeting. Supt. Rogers noted that she is very proud of the entire staff for all the accommodations they have made due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She thanked the teachers and staff for making sure they are providing quality eLearning assignments, the cafeteria staff for the meals that are being provided, and the custodians, bus drivers and aides for all the extensive cleaning that has taken place. She thanked the counselors for reaching out to families that may need assistance. She said she couldn’t be more proud of “our school family, and we will get through this together.”