Utilities seek COVID-19 hike

A group of Indiana utilities — including three that serve Jay County — has filed a joined petition with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission seeking permission to charge customers in an effort to recover revenue lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The utilities claim the healthcare crisis and "related government orders have resulted in significantly reduced load and revenues."

Among the ten utilities that signed the joint petition are Indiana Michigan Power, Ohio Valley Gas Corp. and Indiana Gas Co.

The petitioners did not provide a dollar figure for how much they expect to lose as a result of the pandemic.

The utilities are also seeking permission to charge customers for "bad debt expenses" related to the state's order to suspend disconnections for customers who have not paid their bills during the pandemic., according to Inside Indiana Business.

Other utilities involved in the petition are Duke Energy, Indiana Natural Gas Corp., Indianapolis Power & Light, Midwest Natural Gas Corp., Norther Indiana Public Service Co., Ohio Valley Gas Inc., Southern Indiana Gas & Electric Co. and Sycamore Gas Co.



Taking toll

The coronavirus pandemic continues to take its toll on Tyson Foods meat-packing plants across the country.

More than 200 workers at a Tyson Fresh Meats plant in Madison, Nebraska, tested positive after a facility-wide testing effort.

Business Insider reported this week that 4,500 Tyson workers have tested positive for COVID-19. Eighteen deaths have been reported.

Tyson Foods is the parent of Tyson Mexican Original, Portland.

“Tyson is the largest food company in the United States, and we are embracing our responsibility to lead during this unprecedented time,” Steve Stouffer, group president of Tyson Fresh Meats, said in a statement to Fox Business. “We will continue to ensure that we are at the forefront of the industry when it comes to safety, exploring new ways to keep our team members healthy and protect our communities as we work to keep food on America’s tables.”

The company has also announced improved safety measures and relaxed attendance policies.

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has encouraged meat-processing plants to make it easier for workers to take paid sick leave to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Progressive organizers have argued that the lack of paid sick leave makes certain groups even more vulnerable, especially during the coronavirus pandemic,” Business Insider reported.

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order in requiring meat-processing plants to stay open to prevent meat shortages.



In court

POET, parent of POET Biorefining-Portland, is challenging the Environmental Protection Agency over production of cellulosic ethanol.

According to Agri-Pulse, the ethanol producer’s attorneys are arguing that the EPA’s guidance for measuring production of cellulosic ethanol is “tantamount to a rule containing requirements that are impossible to meet.”

The issue is being argued before Washington, D.C., Circuit Court of Appeals.

In 2014, EPA “allowed producers of cellulosic ethanol to use any measurement method that was approved either by a private standards-setting body or by peer reviewers,” POET said in a brief filed in the case.

But a guidance document issued last year shifted course.

The company argues that when the EPA imposes requirements the same way a rule does, it is subject to judicial review.



Test positive

Thirty-four employees at the Cooper Farms plant in St. Henry, Ohio, have tested positive for COVID-19. That’s out of 700 people employed at the processing facility.

"I went to the plant this morning, and I was there previously four or five weeks ago, and you can see a lot of things have changed," Jason Menchhofer, administrator of the Mercer County Health District, told news outlets. "There are lot more shields put in place, where people can get six feet apart while they’re working on those lines, and a lot of other things that are being done, and they’re still working on new ideas.”

He said his office has been in frequent contact with the company to make sure best steps are being taken.



New reality

CBS News reported this week that when McDonald's reopens dine-in areas at its restaurants, customers will find workers in masks and gloves, some seating blocked off to accommodate social distancing, and children's play spaces closed.

McDonald’s employees will also spend more time disinfecting tabletops and other surfaces.

All McDonald's restaurants, whether those owned by the company or operated as franchises, must implement the measures as well as follow state and local laws, McDonald's USA President Joe Erlinger said in press release.



Dividend declared

First Merchants Corporation declared a cash dividend on May 13 of 26 cents per share. The dividend is payable on June 19 to shareholders of record as of June 5.



Going virtual

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development is hosting a virtual job fair highlighting hundreds of temporary job openings throughout the state with the U.S. Census Bureau.

The virtual job fair is scheduled to run from 11 a.m. to noon EDT on Thursday, May 21, and will discuss the roles and responsibilities of the available jobs. Responsibilities mostly involve going door-to-door and collecting census data from local citizens. The Indiana Recruiting Manager from the U.S Census Bureau will cover the job opportunities in detail, along with how to apply. Those interested in the job fair but unable to attend live can still register, as a recording will be sent via email the following day. 

To register, visit: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3050798827669304336. After registering, a confirmation email will be sent containing information about joining the webinar.