JASPER MAYOR: The City Does Not Determine Which Industries Are Essential

FROM LOCAL SOURCES

JASPER -- Many Dubois County factories remain open during the statewide Stay-at-Home Order.

In a statement on Facebook Wednesday, Jasper mayor Dean Vonderheide pointed to the governor’s executive order and said the city doesn’t get to determine which companies are essential.

"[The executive order] urges all businesses to find the section of the executive order that applies to them and self-determine whether they are essential or non-essential and industries have been given a 24-hour hotline in order to reach out and get assistance from the state in that determination, says the mayor.  "We do not determine whether a business is essential or non-essential."

And, the mayor’s advice for employees who have to work during the Stay-at-Home order?  "If there are any employees of any of those businesses, or even our employees here,that feel uncomfortable with their work environment, you're encouraged to reach out to the HR professionals.  They're there to protect employees in their work environment."   

OFS and Jasper Chair have suspended local operations until further notice.

Kimball International remains open, however, company officials are creating a voluntary leave option, where employees can use Paid Time Off if they wish to stay at home. 

The company will provide additional time off for manufacturing employees and has set up an employee fund to support employees facing true hardships during these times.

Jasper Engines is also staying open, but providing employees with up to two weeks of Paid Time Off.

We are still waiting to hear back from other local factories to see what their plans are.

Click below to see the mayor's full address to the city.