IU Northwest offers free drive-up internet access
Following an extended spring break for all of its campuses, Indiana University will conduct the remainder of the spring semester entirely online beginning Monday in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus. This presents challenges not only for students, faculty and staff, but also for members of the greater community, whom the University also serves. Recognizing that many may not have adequate internet access at a time when it is critically needed, IU Northwest, 3400 Broadway, Gary, invites members of the community to take advantage of its “Hot Spot Lot,” located in the main parking area closest to the Moraine Student Center, without leaving their cars. To access the IU Northwest Guest Network, make sure your device has wireless networking turned on. In the list of available networks, select “IU Guest.” Once your browser is open, on the “IU Guest WiFi” screen, enter your email address and check the box to accept the terms of use. Faculty, staff and students can log into IU’s secure networks from the lots, just as they would on campus. The IU Northwest guest network should be treated like any public access point, and users are cautioned that security is the same as any other public wireless network. It is not known how long the availability of this service will last. The IU Police Department – Northwest officers will be patrolling the area as usual. More information is at iun.edu/guestwireless.
Gabis Arboretum temporary closure
In compliance with Governor Holcomb’s “Stay at Home” order, Gabis Arboretum in Valparaiso is closed to the public until further notice. More information is at gabisarboretum@pnw.edu.
Franciscan Health WorkingWell to reduce hours
Due to COVID-19 restrictions and Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb’s “Stay at Home” order, Franciscan Health WorkingWell will have reduced hours for the following clinics from Monday through May 1. Franciscan WorkingWell Crown Point, 12800 Mississippi Pkwy, Suite B100, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 219-662-5500. Franciscan WorkingWell Michigan City, 4111 S. Franklin St ., 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, 219-879-5400. Franciscan WorkingWell Munster, 7905 Calumet Ave., 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, 219-836-4690.
Clean Air Car Check temporarily closed
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has announced that Clean Air Car Check locations are temporarily closed to in-person public activity in accordance with Governor Eric Holcomb’s Executive Order 20-09. The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles has extended registration deadlines for 60 days. Lake and Porter county residents unable to register their vehicles without an emissions test will not be penalized for late registration. More information is at www.idem.IN.gov.
Resources to support businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic
To help local, small, minority, women-owned and other diverse businesses survive during the COVID-19 interruption, the following resources are available. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has several resources on its website. Go to https://www.fema.gov/media-library/resources-documents/collections/344 for a full directory of resources. The website contains answers and support for many key questions, such as Do you have a Business Continuity Plan? FEMA offers a template at https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1389019980859-b64364cba1442b96dc4f4ad675f552e4/Business_ContinuityPlan_2014.pdf. Those in need of Business Income or Business Interruption Coverage are encouraged to make an appointment with their insurance provider at this time. To find an agent, contact the Gary Chamber of Commerce at 219-885-7407 or email Chuck Hughes, executive director, at chughes@garychamber.com, to get connected to several member insurance companies. To see if you would qualify for the Small Business Association’s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan, go to their website at https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance. Additional information is at https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources. Further guidance and information can be found at https://www.fema.gov/preparedness-checklists-toolkits; https://www.ready.gov/; https://isbdc.org/.
