ORLEANS TOWN Orleans, IN HISTORY GOVERNMENT UTILITIES ONLINE BILL PAY EDUCATION INDUSTRIAL TOWN SERVICES MORE News FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ORLEANS FALL TOWN-WIDE CLEAN OCTOBER 25-30 The Orleans Town Council has set the week of October 25-30 as “Fall Town-Wide Clean Up,” and is encouraging all its residents to participate in the clean-up efforts to help prepare for the fall and winter months ahead. Town crews will be picking up large items of discard that week. Discard items should be placed curbside for easy pickup. In addition, a large dumpster is set at the Orleans Town Garage for resident use as well. The dumpster will be available M-F from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and until 12 Noon on Saturday. Residents are welcome and encouraged, if possible, to bring any unwanted or junk type items they want to dispose of and place in the dumpster. To arrange for pick up of items or for more information on the “Clean Sweep” contact the Orleans Town Offices at 812-865-2539 or visit the town on-line at www.town.orleans.in.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ORLEANS TOWN WIDE CLEAN-UP GUIDELINES REMINDER Dumping at the Orleans Town Lake property of anything other than residential yard type debris, brush etc. is STRICTLY FORBIDDEN. No junk furniture, appliances, lumber etc. Violators will be prosecuted. The Town of Orleans typically conducts town wide type clean-up efforts twice a year prior to the annual Dogwood Festival and in early October at no charge to its residents. The clean-up events include pick up of large type junk items which are usually placed at curbside for collection. These type of items of discard are only picked up during those two weeks. At other times throughout the year residents are encouraged to take those type of items to the town dumpster which is permanently set up at the Town Garage area on Franklin Street and accessible M-F from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Those residents having additional questions are asked to the contact the Orleans Town Offices, 812 865 2539 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ORLEANS TOWN SPONSORING APPLICATION FOR RESIDENT HOME IMPROVEMENTS Loading... FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ORLEANS FIRE DEPARTMENT GRANT Members from the Orleans Fire Dept received a grant from the Orange County REMC Operation Roundup for the amount of $1,735.00. With this grant money, the department is able to finish setting up their rope rescue gear and also preform water rescues in flood waters where ever they may be needed. Members will now be able to perform multiple types of rescues whether it be over the bank rescues or animal rescues. Also members will now be able to perform water rescues safely with the purchase of water rope, life jackets, and animal life jackets. The Orleans Fire Dept would also like to thank Dr. Kelly Kirk and the employees from Kirk Vet in Orleans for the donation of $250.00 to help purchase a rescue harness for animal rescues in sinkholes or any type of hole where a dog or cat may get stuck. The donation also consisted of two life jackets for a medium and a large size animal during flooding events or water rescues. The Orleans Fire Dept can’t thank these businesses enough for the awarding of these grants and donations. Pictured from Left to Right is Hannah Carter- Orange County REMC HR and Operation Roundup Coordinator, Firefighter Troy Beasley, and Deputy Fire Chief Michael Beasley. (Photo Credits: Emilee Mills) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ORLEANS TOWN-WIDE PRIDE CLEAN SWEEP FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE “ORLEANS TOWN FIX A LEAK” WEEK MARCH 15-20 Water leaks are costly and can be even costlier than consumers might expect. To remind Orleans residents about leaks and the need to fix them, the Orleans Town Water Department is observing “Fix a Leak Week” from March 15 through March 20. “This is an important annual reminder to check your home or business for any leaks, and to repair them as quickly as you can,” said Orleans Clerk Treasurer Robert F. Henderson. “Some leaks are obvious, while others are not. But as they waste water, they waste your money, too.” All local water customers should perform three tests regularly. The first check is to make sure all faucets in the home or business are not dripping. They can be repaired inexpensively. If a faucet drips twice per second and goes unrepaired for a month, it will waste almost 520 gallons of water. If the same faucet isn’t repaired for a year, the wasted water will add up to more than 6,200 gallons. (As an example, if a consumer is billed at a rate of $7.00 per 1,000 gallons, such a leak would cost $43.40. The leak would also increase the consumer’s sewer bill if it is calculated based on water usage.) Second, it’s important not to underestimate the amount of water a leaky toilet can waste. Toilets can waste hundreds of gallons every day. An easy check is to put a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank and wait 20 minutes. If any food coloring shows up in the toilet bowl, there is a leak after the test, the toilet should be flushed right away to keep the food coloring from causing stains. Lastly, water users should make sure their home or business doesn’t have an “invisible” water leak, such as a leak in the underground supply line connecting the utility’s main to the building. This type of leak can be checked by turning off all faucets and appliances that use water, having the Water Company read the meter, not use any water for 30 minutes, then have the Water Department read the meter again. If it has moved, then there is a leak. For more information on local water usage, please call the Orleans Town Hall 812 865 2539 or visit our website at www.town.orleans.in.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ORLEANS TOWN WATER TO FLUSH HYDRANTS MARCH 22-26 The Orleans Town Water Department will be flushing hydrants starting March 22 and continue throughout that week. This may cause a temporary discoloration of the water. The water is safe for drinking but may discolor clothes washed in it. Residents should flush their systems by running fixtures, including the washing machine etc. until the water clears. The town regrets any inconvenience this process may cause, and thanks residents for their patience and cooperation. Questions may be directed to the Orleans Town Offices M-F during regular business hours, 812-865-2539 or via email: orleanstownhall@townoforleans.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ORLEANS TOWN OFFICES REOPENED TO THE PUBLIC Orleans Town Clerk Robert Henderson has announced that the Clerk’s Office is once again open to foot traffic and for those having businesses with the town. Face coverings are required for those entering the town offices at this time. The Clerk’s office is open M-F from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Orleans Water customers are advised that while the town office is now open once again, they may continue should they choose to make payments via regular mail, phone, on-line (credit & debit), outside drop box or the slot in the Clerk’s door etc. The Planning Administrator’s Office is also open to the public on Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Persons needing more information about town services or assistance are asked to contact the Orleans Town office at 812-865-2539 during regular business hours or via email orleanstownhall@townoforleans.org or by visiting www.town.orleans.in.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ORLEANS PARTICIPATING IN SEVERE WEATHER PREP WEEK Orleans Town Officials and emergency personnel are reminding residents that the town is once again participating in “Indiana Severe Weather Preparedness Week,” March 14-20 including a special state wide tornado drill and test of the town’s emergency sirens planned for Wednesday March 16th. The test is scheduled that morning between for 10 and 10:30 a.m.. In the event of severe or inclement weather, the test will be rescheduled. Severe weather information is related from the National Weather Service directly to the Orange County Sheriff’s office, which then activates the town’s tornado warning system. The sirens indicate a tornado or severe weather is possible in the Orleans area. During stormy weather, residents are urged to remain alert and stay tune to their local television, radio stations and weather radios for the most up to date weather information and be prepared to move quickly to a designated “safe area,” should conditions develop and the emergency sirens are activated. Residents should also be mindful of the fact that emergency sirens are designed mainly for “outdoor” warning use and may not always be heard indoors. Again, local television, radio and weather radios are the primary sources of severe weather-related information. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2021 ORLEANS SUMMER LEAGUE SIGN UPS IS NOW UNDERWAY Registration forms available for pick up from both J & S Sportswear and Orleans Town Offices during regular business hours. Orleans Summer League provides supervised recreation for area youth ages 5 to 12 years of age during the spring and summer months. A registration form is required from all participants to participate in the recreation program. Registration forms have also recently been sent home with Orleans Elementary students. Deadline to sign up is March 19th. Cost is $30 per participant. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Loading... FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ORLEANS CLERK’S OFFICE REMAINS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC Due to the continual surge in COVID-19 related illness, the Orleans Town Clerk’s Office remains closed to the public and all visitors. The office will continue to be staffed as normal M-F 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to assist residents, address issues, and process payments etc. via phone 812 865 2539 and via email. This closure remains in place until further notice. Orleans Water customers are advised that all payments will be made via regular mail, phone, on-line (credit & debit), outside drop box or the slot in the Clerk’s door etc. during this time. A convenient link (PayGov) for paying on-line can be found on the town’s website www.town.orleans.in.us. A convenience fee may apply. The Planning Administrator’s Office is presently open by appointment only on Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. *Please Note: The Town Office will not be staffed on Monday, January 18th in observance of Martin Luther King Day. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ORLEANS TOWN COUNCIL MEETING VIRTUALLY Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3743421032?pwd=UEtLQXk1QU1WN1ZiMHBMU0p0dlRRQT09 Meeting ID: 374 342 1032 Passcode: 9SMbI7 LOADING... FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ORLEANS CLERK’S OFFICE REMAINS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC Out of an abundance of caution, the Orleans Town Clerk’s Office will remain closed to the public due to the increase in COVID-19 cases in Orange County. The office will continue to be staffed M-F 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to assist residents, address issues process payments etc. via phone 812 865 2539 and email. Water customers are advised that all payments will be made via regular mail, phone, on-line (credit & debit), outside drop box etc. during this time. A convenient link (PayGov) for paying on-line can be found on the town’s website www.town.orleans.in.us. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ORLEANS TO ALLOW TRICK OR TREATING, TOWN LEAVING CHOICE UP TO RESIDENTS Contact Robert Henderson, 812 865 2539 Trick-or-treating in the Town of Orleans will be allowed on Saturday, October 31st and left up to residents this year as to whether to participate or not. Town Clerk Robert F. Henderson said the town officials similar to the neighboring communities has opted not to endorse “trick-or-treating” due to the ongoing issues with COVID-19, but has no problem allowing those who look forward to the holiday to participate, provided they do so safely. The choice to hand out candy will be up to each individual citizen themselves. Residents who wish to welcome youngsters are being asked to leave the porch light on to indicate if they are handing out candy. As in years past the suggested hours for Orleans trick or treating activities on the 31st will kick off at 6 p.m. and should be concluded by 9 p.m. “Those who participate should take all safety precautions to protect themselves and the community,” Parents of costumed trick-or-treaters in search of free candy can consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for guidelines on Halloween activities and recommendations to participate safely. Know the risk The CDC lists Halloween activities in three categories: low, moderate and high risk. The CDC lists carving pumpkins with family members and decorating your house or yard as low risk activities. Also, low risk is having a Halloween movie night with those you live with and a scavenger-hunt style trick-or-treat search at home. Instead of handing out candy, the CDC recommends placing individually wrapped goodie bags at the end of a driveway or edge of a yard for trick-or-treaters to grab and go. Traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating and trunk or treat events are considered high risk by the CDC. Also, on the high-risk list are crowded costume parties held indoors and an indoor haunted house where people are in close contact and screaming. As Halloween approaches, those who may have COVID-19 or been exposed to someone should not give out candy to trick-or-treaters. For more on CDC trick-or-treat guidelines, visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DRY CONDITIONS PROMPT AREA BURN BAN Due to the current dry conditions and no significant rain predicted for the next few days, a majority of the Orange County fire chiefs including Orleans Municipal Fire and the Orange County Commissioners have issued a burn ban for all of Orange County. The ban will remain until dry conditions change. Activities banned by the order include: Campfires and other recreational fires, unless enclosed in a fire ring with dimensions of 23 inches in diameter by 10 inches high or larger Open burning of any kind using conventional fuel such as wood, or other combustible matter, with the exception of grills fueled by charcoal briquettes or propane The burning of debris, such as timber or vegetation, including such debris that results from building construction activities Charcoal from permitted grills shall not be removed from the grills until the charcoal has been thoroughly extinguished. As for the application for burn permits inside the corporate limits of the Town of Orleans, for the foreseeable future, all open burning, not contained inside of a fire ring or pit, will be considered UNLAWFUL, and will be treated as such. Local Questions can be referred to the Orleans Fire Chief Ronnie Roach, 812 865 5616; Orleans Police, 812 865 2222; or Orleans Town Hall, 812 865 2539 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ORLEANS RESIDENTS URGED TO JOIN TOWN WIDE FALL CLEAN UP EFFORT Orleans residents are being reminded that although the Street Department is not picking up large items of discard during this particular time. A large dumpster is available at the Orleans Town Garage complex M-F 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents are strongly encouraged to bring any unwanted or small junk type items they want to dispose of and place in the dumpster. Residents are also being encouraged to take some time to help clean up, fix up, paint up and spruce up our hometown of Orleans for the fall and winter months ahead. All lawns and lots in town should be mowed off, and trash items and other debris picked up. Street Department employees will continue curbside yard waste pick up for the town’s citizens as a courtesy in keeping the Orleans community clean and beautiful. The town has designated each Tuesday of the month as yard waste collection day. The Town Crew will collect yard waste (grass clippings, small twigs, garden waste, shrubbery trimmings etc.) which is placed at the curb provided they are marked container of sorts that does not weigh more than 50 pounds. Yard Waste should be kept separated from regular household trash. Small tree limbs, branches will be collected at curbside if they are reasonably stacked with the base pointing toward the street and if they have been cut into four-foot lengths and not larger than 4 “ in diameter. Larger tree limbs, tree stumps and tree trunks will NOT be collected. Residents may take those type of items anytime to the town lake area and placed on the brush pile located there. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DON’T FORGET A PERMIT IS REQUIRED FOR BUILDING The Town of Orleans has had planning regulations in place since 1994. There are a few planning rules the Citizens who live and/or own property should be aware of especially as we move into the summer months. Anyone who wants to build something or make an addition to an existing structure that is 144 square feet or more is required to get a permit before doing so. Building applications are available from the Orleans Town Offices M-F during regular business hours. Citizens are asked to contact the Orleans Town Hall for any type of planning or building related questions at 812 865 2539; via email or visit the town’s website www.town.orleans.in.us The town’s planning administrator, Denzil Chisham, also is available in the planning office to assist residents with planning matters every Tuesday from 9 to 11 a.m. Appointments are not required but are being recommended at this time. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ORLEANS TOWN WATER AGAIN SURPASSES ALL REQUIREMENTS The Town of Orleans Utilities is happy to report that Orleans had excellent drinking water again in 2019. Rigorous testing revealed that our drinking water again surpasses all federal, state and local regulations. Copies of the 2019 Water Quality Report are now available upon request from the Orleans Town Offices located at 161 E. Price Ave., or by simply visiting the town’s website. Water customers are encourage to review their water quality report and contact the Orleans Water Department at (812) 865-2539 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Monday thru Friday with any comments or questions regarding the report. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TOWN HALL REOPENS The Orleans Town Hall / Clerk’s Office has reopened to the public as of June 1st. The health and well-being of both our staff and citizens is our top priority. We will be following the CDC guidelines which includes a slight modification to the front counter area. We also will be limiting the number of customers in our office at any one time. If you are sick please refrain from coming into the building and use the convenient drop box outside. And while the office is once again open, those who wish may continue to pay their water bills via mail, phone, on-line, or the drop box outside drop box (NO CASH PAYMENTS). FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TOWN COUNCIL TO CONDUCT MEETINGS ONLINE In accordance with current policies and pursuant to Gov. Eric Holcomb’s executive orders, the Orleans Town Council has made the decision to conduct their public meetings online until the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency has been lifted. In order to comply with open door requirements, any member of the public will be able to watch, listen and observe the proceedings on their computer, smart phone, or any other device, able to access the Internet and receive video and audio transmissions. Town Council members will meet April 16, 2020 at 6 p.m. using the Internet software application Zoom to achieve the electronic means of communications. As stated above and in accordance with the open-door laws, all members of the public shall only have the right to attend and observe these public meetings, and may do so by clicking on the following link to join the meeting: https://zoom.us/j/703317701. Subsequent meetings and the proper link for public access will be posted at the Orleans Town Hall and publicized through the local and social media 48 hours before the meeting takes place. During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, the Governor’s executive orders suspend certain requirements of state law for Essential Governmental Functions with respect to public meetings and open-door laws, including suspending physical participation requirements by members of public agency governing bodies and permitting public attendance through electronic means of communications. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ORLEANS FIRE NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ORLEANS POLICE REMINDER FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WATER CUSTOMER PAYMENT OPTIONS REMINDER Orleans Town Clerk Robert F. Henderson is reminding town water customers that while his office remains CLOSED to all foot traffic upcoming utility payments can still be made in several different ways. During the present health emergency all residents are asked to make water payments via regular mail, phone, on-line (credit or debit cards) and outside drop box. Henderson added that a link (PayGov) for paying bills on-line can be found on the town’s website www.town.orleans.in.us The Clerk’s office is still being staffed during regular business hours to address any concerns via phone 812-865-2539 or email orleanstownhall@netsurfusa.net. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ANNUAL TOWN-WIDE SPRING CLEAN UP POSTPONED Due to the present COVID-19 Emergency the “Orleans Town-Wide Spring Clean Up” scheduled for March 30-April 4 has been POSTPONED. It will be rescheduled for a later time. Residents are reminded that the dumpster at the Town Garage remains open during regular business hours M-F 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for anyone wanting to take items of discard. Town crews are still regularly picking up small amounts of brush, limbs and yard debris. These items should be placed at curbside for easy pick up. Anyone in need of more information should contact the Orleans Town office 812-865-2539. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ORLEANS RESIDENTS URGED TO FOLLOW COVID-19 STAY HOME ORDER As a State Emergency exists at this time Orleans Town officials are strongly advising all its citizens to adhere by all guidelines and directives being put forth at this point during the present Public Health Emergency. As per Governor Holcomb’s stay-at-home order effective March 24ththrough April 6th all Orleans residents are asked to only leave their home if they work at an essential business, are getting necessary supplies or must leave for health and safety purposes. Furthermore, all nonessential businesses are being directed to close and for residents to stay home and avoid any unnecessary travel. This preventative measure to suspend in-person contact is considered necessary to avoid spread of COVID-19 during this emergency period. Town officials have implemented a number of strategies to protect its workforce while still ensuring continuity of operations. Orleans Clerk Robert F. Henderson said “The Town of Orleans government remains operational to continue to provide essential service to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. However, all town buildings and facilities (including playgrounds, children’s play areas, basketball court) are CLOSED at this time.” Orleans Town Hall / Clerk’s office remains CLOSED to the public until April 5th. The offices are still being staffed during regular business hours to address any concerns via phone 812-865-2539 or email orleanstownhall@netsurfusa.net. Residents are asked to make upcoming water bill payments via regular mail, phone, on-line (credit cards) and outside drop box. A convenient link (PayGov) for paying on-line can be found on the town’s website www.town.orleans.in.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ORLEANS POLICE ASSISTING RESIDENTS DURING COVID-19 In this time of need, if any seniors who live in the Orleans town or anyone else unable to get out to get essential items the Orleans Police Department is here to assist. Town Marshall Richard Dixon said in a statement released this afternoon that our officers will be working through the Governor’s Emergency Declaration period and are able to bring items to those individuals. If you need this assistance please call the Orange County Dispatch at (812) 723-2417) and explain the situation and they will dispatch an officer. We are all in this together and as always, the Orleans Police Department is here to protect and serve the citizens of the Orleans Community. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CITIZENS ASKED TO FOLLOW ALL COVID-19 GUIDELINES Orleans Town Leaders are strongly advising its citizens and business owners to adhere by all guidelines and directives being put forth at this point by local, state officials. Governor Eric Holcomb has announced that all Hoosiers are directed to stay home (shelter in place) except when they are at work or for permitted activities, such as taking care of others, obtaining necessary supplies, and for health and safety. SOCIAL DISTANCING of our selves at this time remains critical. If you are sick STAY HOME period! Orleans Town Hall/Clerk’s Office, and all town owned buildings remain CLOSED to the public and all visitors. The Clerk’s Office is being staffed during regular work hours to address any concerns via phone (812-865-2539) internet etc. Water customers are advised that all payments will be made via regular mail, internet, outside drop box etc. during this time. All town departments continue to work and functioning from their individual areas. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE “ORLEANS FIX A LEAK” WEEK MARCH 16-22 Water leaks are costly and can be even costlier than consumers might expect. To remind Orleans residents about leaks and the need to fix them, the Orleans Town Offices are observing “Fix a Leak Week” from March 16 through March 22. “This is an important annual reminder to check your home or business for any leaks, and to repair them as quickly as you can,” said Orleans Clerk Treasurer Robert F. Henderson. “Some leaks are obvious, while others are not. But as they waste water, they waste your money, too.” All local water customers should perform three tests regularly. The first check is to make sure all faucets in the home or business are not dripping. They can be repaired inexpensively. If a faucet drips twice per second and goes unrepaired for a month, it will waste almost 520 gallons of water. If the same faucet isn’t repaired for a year, the wasted water will add up to more than 6,200 gallons. (As an example, if a consumer is billed at a rate of $7.00 per 1,000 gallons, such a leak would cost $43.40. The leak would also increase the consumer’s sewer bill if it is calculated based on water usage.) Second, it’s important not to underestimate the amount of water a leaky toilet can waste. Toilets can waste hundreds of gallons every day. An easy check is to put a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank and wait 20 minutes. If any food coloring shows up in the toilet bowl, there is a leak after the test, the toilet should be flushed right away to keep the food coloring from causing stains. Lastly, water users should make sure their home or business doesn’t have an “invisible” water leak, such as a leak in the underground supply line connecting the utility’s main to the building. This type of leak can be checked by turning off all faucets and appliances that use water, having the Water Company read the meter, not use any water for 30 minutes, then have the Water Department read the meter again. If it has moved, then there is a leak. For more information on local water usage, please call the Orleans Town Hall 812 865 2539 or visit our website at www.town.orleans.in.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SUMMER LEAGUE SIGN UPS NOW UNDERWAY The 2020 Orleans Town Summer League Sign-Up is now underway and will continue through March 14th. Registration forms available from both J & S Sportswear and Orleans Town Offices during regular business hours. Sign-Up forms have also been distributed to the Orleans Elementary School as well. Orleans Summer League provides supervised recreation for area youth during the months of April, May and June for ages 3 through 12. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FREE PRESCRIPTION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Orleans Town Clerk Robert F. Henderson wishes to remind residents about the Orleans Town Drug Card, that offers free prescription assistance program for the local community. The card is pre-activated and may be used immediately to save up to 75% on prescription drugs at most regional and national pharmacies. The FREE card is now available for pick up from the Orleans Town Offices M-F during regular business hours and also be obtained from the Orleans Public Library, Orleans Family Health Care and Orleans Medical Clinic. There is no paperwork to fill out, and no limits on usage. Henderson said that some residents to date have saved on brand and generic drugs. In some cases the program has also covered drugs not covered in any health plans. For more information on the Rx program contact the Orleans Town Offices 812 865 2539. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THE TOWN OF ORLEANS RECEIPT OF INDIANA PUBLIC EMPLOYER’S PLAN (IPEP) 2019 SAFETY GRANT AWARD. Making the award presentation to Orleans Town Clerk Robert F. Henderson was Eric Ackerman, IPEP District Representative (second from the far right). Also on hand for the ceremonies were Brett Busick of Busick Insurance (far left) and Assistant Town Supt. Daniel Houchin (far right). The Indiana Public Employer’s Plan, Inc. (IPEP) is excited to announce the Town of Orleans as a receipt of its 2019 Safety Grant Award. IPEP is proud to partner with the Town and Busick Insurance Agency to maximize opportunities to promote a safe work environment and assist with stretching their risk management resources. The grant funds in the amount of $4,000 will be used to purchase safety equipment or safety training programs that will reduce or limit workers’ compensation exposure. IPEP was created in 1989 as a risk-sharing pool for public entities, as a response to the need for public employers to find affordable workers’ compensation coverage. IPEP has grown to provide workers’ compensation claims administration for more than 700 public entities including cities, towns, counties and schools. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Orleans Town Officials recently recognized the members of the OHS 7th Grade Boys Basketball Team and their coach Kyle Bostic in ceremonies held last Thursday night. Town Council members passed a special Resolution in their honor as well as presenting them with the Key to the City. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO ALL RESIDENTS OF ORLEANS: We understand the importance of communicating with you and ensuring that we keep you in the loop regarding events affecting Orleans. As a result, we are pleased to announce that we are initiating a new notification service called REACH Alert. This new service will allow us to immediately share important information regarding a number of items, including waterline breaks/boil water advisories, road closures/delays due to construction or accidents, hazmat situations, AMBER/Silver alerts, police actions, and civic events. As good as this service is, if you don’t register, we can’t share important information with you. You decide if you want a text message, voice call, or an email. Each household can register up to 4 phone numbers and 4 email addresses. All you need to do is: 1. Go to www.reachalert.com and click on MY ACCOUNT. 2. Select CREATE ACCOUNT. 3. Follow the prompts and enter your preferred contact information. 4. Network Name: type Orleans (click on our name when it appears). 5. Select resident or business 6. Enter your address and click on it when it appears in the drop-down list. If you opted to receive text alerts, Reach Alert will send a text message to your cell phone immediately upon completion of your registration. Please enter the 4-digit number on the registration screen and then click the word VALIDATE. If you do not receive this message, please call Reach Alert. If you do not have access to a computer or if you experience any difficulty registering, please contact REACH Alert at (877) 307-9313. If you don’t register, you won’t receive our messages. Thank you. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ORLEANS TOWN POLICY ANNOUNCED FOR YARD WASTE PICKUP Orleans Town officials have announced a slightly revised policy in regards to residential yard waste pick up. Street Department employees will continue curbside yard waste pick up for the town’s citizens as a courtesy in keeping the Orleans community clean and beautiful. The town has designated each Tuesday of the month as yard waste collection day, with the exception during said week a holiday falls and the town offices is closed. Pickup will resume the next full week of business. The Town Crew will collect yard waste (grass clippings, small twigs, garden waste, shrubbery trimmings etc.) which is placed at curb provided they are marked container of sorts that does not weigh more than 50 pounds. Small tree limbs, branches will be collected at curbside if they are reasonably stacked with the base pointing toward the street and only if they have been cut into four foot lengths and not larger than 3 “ in diameter. Larger tree limbs, tree stumps and tree trunks will NOT be collected by the street employees. Residents may take those type of items anytime to the town lake area and placed on the brush pile located there. The Town Superintendent will have the final say on what is allowed to be collected. The Orleans Town officials reserves the right to change this policy upon extraordinary situations, such as severe storm damage. Limbs may be dropped off at the town lake anytime. NO treated or painted lumber allowed. For more information or to schedule a pick up residents may contact the Orleans Town Offices during regular business hours M-F 812 865 2539 ; email orleansstreet@netsurfusa.net FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TOWN OF ORLEANS EXPANDS PAYMENT OPTIONS Pay GOV LLC (www.paygov.us) has announced that Orleans citizens are now able to pay utility payments by credit or debit card at the Utility office, over the Internet or via 24/7 LIVE operators at 1-866-480-8552. The Town of Orleans is the latest Indiana municipality to offer electronic payments. Orleans town officials are familiar with the financial struggles faced by many residents. In order to remain sustainable it is vital that every avenue be explored to limit municipal costs while increasing revenue collection. The Town is continually reviewing expenditures and cost savings initiatives to better service their citizens. Clerk-Treasurer Robert F. Henderson said “We have been seeking out the best options regarding electronic payment. Many of the solutions found were cost prohibitive,” explained Henderson “Pay GOV was chosen after consulting other Indiana municipalities. They have a superior reputation for customer service.” PayGOV.US, a leading provider of electronic payment options based in Indianapolis, Indiana and 2009 Indiana Companies to Watch Award Winner, has similar agreements with government entities and utilities in over 38 states. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ORLEANS WATER DEPARTMENT REMINDER TO RESIDENTS USE CARE WHEN MOWING YARD The Orleans Water Dept. is reminding residents to please use care when mowing their yards in not to run over and potentially damage their water meter lid or other attached parts. The town’s 900 some water meters and radio unit for the meter itself are all electronic now and quite costly. A number of MXUs have been damaged by lawnmowers and residents may be held responsible for any damaged parts. Caution should be used whenever mowing as not to hit or run over the top of the water meter lid. Questions may be addressed to Orleans Town Offices M-F during regular business hours. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ORLEANS TOWN SQUARE PARK SUMMERTIME USE REMINDERS As summer officially gets underway and many more people are using the historic Orleans Town Square Park (Congress Square) the Orleans Police Department would like to remind park patrons to be courteous to other park patrons and respect the park grounds by putting trash and litter in its proper place by using one of the many trash receptacles located throughout the park. The overall goal is making sure the park area is a clean, safe & positive environment for everyone’s enjoyment. Park goers are reminded that the new veterans memorial honors those who have served our country and is a center piece of the park worthy of respect. The Orleans Police Department would also like to remind park goers that bicycles, skateboards, inline skates and scooters are prohibited inside the park grounds. Bike racks are available on both the north and south sides of the park for our biking friends to leave their bikes and be able to walk into the park area. Parents are reminded that young children should not be sent to the park alone. Children should not play or swim in the fountain due to the risk of electrocution and other health and safety issues. Orleans town ordinance 2001-18 contains additional rules for the safety of park goers. A copy of the complete ordinance can be obtained from the Orleans Town Hall or the Orleans Police Department web site, www.orleanspolice.com and clicking on the Local Ordinance tab. The Orleans Town Square Park and Welcome Center, located on the north side of the town square is under 24 hour video surveillance. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ORLEANS SUMMER LEAGUE PROVIDES RECREATION FOR YOUTH Orleans Summer League provides supervised recreation for area youth ages 3-12 during the months of April, May and June. A registration form is required from all participants to participate in the summer recreation program. Contact Brent Brown, 812-653-9732; OrleansSummerLeague@gmail.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TOWN STEPPING UP EFFORTS ON UNKEMPT PROPERTIES IN TOWN Orleans Town officials continue to receive complaints about local property owners who have not cut their grass and weeds, as well numerous as complaints on several unkempt areas around town. Residents are reminded once again that lawns and lots in town must be kept mowed, and trash items and other debris picked up. Residents are urged to refrain from blowing grass clippings into the streets and roadways, as this practice prohibited by ordinance, clogs the storm drains and contributes to the town’s overall flooding problems during periods of heavy rainfall. Several residents have been sent notices and those not complying will be turned over to the town attorney. If property owners do not clean up their properties, town employees can do the work and owners be direct billed for it. The town contracts services of Ron Taylor to spray for mosquitoes and is asking residents to continue to assist in those efforts for general health & safety by keeping all yards and lots mowed off, any brush type items removed, and any type of standing water removed. Old tires should be discarded and rain gutters & down spouts should be checked & cleaned regularly to allow water to flow freely. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ORLEANS RESIDENTS REMINDED OF DOG AND CAT LAWS The Orleans Police Department has received numerous complaints of dogs and cats running loose. The Orleans Street Department picks up dogs and cats found running at large and transports the animals to Orange Co Humane Society. Citizens experiencing problems with stray animals can contact the Orleans Town Garage at 812-865-3207 or by email: orleansstreet@netsurfusa.net. The Orleans Police Department would like to encourage all dog and cat owners to be responsible owners and keep their dogs and cats confined to their property. Welcome Quality of Life Community Organizations Proudly powered by WordPress · Theme: Pique by WordPress.com.