City of Whiting Coronavirus Update

BE SMART, STAY HOME AND STAY SAFE
WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS TOGETHER

Revised: April 18, 2022

As a way to keep the residents of Whiting informed about the Coronavirus
Pandemic and how it directly impacts Whiting, I will do my best
to keep this page updated with pertinent information. – Mayor Steve

Resources:

Note: During the Governor’s “Stay at Home” directive, the non-emergency phones in City Hall and the Public Works Facility are not being manned as they normally would.  Here are some tips that will be helpful to our staff during this emergency:

  • Please pay your utility bills by check and either mail it in or place it in the City Hall Dropbox located at the sidedoor.
  • Please postpone all calls that aren’t an important call for service.  This would include parking complaints, nuisance complaints, non-emergency animal complaints, etc.
  • Leave a message.  Our staff will be answering the voicemails as time permits and they will be routed to the proper department for resolution.

April 18, 2022 – Actions Taken: Whiting City Hall is now open 8:00am – 4:00pm

Beginning Monday, April 18, 2022, we will be returning to our normal public access hours of 8:00am to 4:00pm. Visitors to City Hall may access the building via the side door only; the front doors will remain locked.

For your convenience you may pay your utility bills using our online bill pay or by check. Checks can be mailed or placed in the City Hall Dropbox located at the side door.

April 21, 2021 – Actions Taken: 

  • City Hall will remain open to the general public with limited hours from 8:30am to 12:30pm with only side door access.
  • Visitors are required to wear masks or face coverings when inside the building and sanitize their hands on the way in and out.
  • The only access point will be the side door, the 119th Street door will remain locked.
  • Public meetings will begin taking place IN PERSON beginning April, 2021.  All attendees are required to wear masks or face coverings, practice social distancing, and sanitize their hands on the way in and out of the building.  We reserve the right to restrict access to meetings in order to control crowd size.  Access to the building will be from the side door only.

February 9, 2021 – Actions Taken: 

  • We are planning on reopening City Hall to the general public on Tuesday, February 16th, 2021.  To safely phase in a reopening, we will begin operations with a limited schedule.  So until further notice, City Hall will be open from 8:30am to 12:30pm with only side door access
  • Visitors are required to wear masks or face coverings when inside the building and sanitize their hands on the way in and out.
  • The only access point will be the side door, the 119th Street door will remain locked.
  • All public meetings will continue to be held via conference call or video services until further notice. You may access these public meetings by calling 866-866-2244 and using participant code 1641958#.

November 18, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • As of November 18, 2020, the State of Indiana has changed Lake County’s COVID Designation to RED.  Please CLICK HERE for requirements and restrictions that are in place for each color coded designation.

November 17, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • Effective 12:01am on Wednesday, November 18, 2020, all public buildings will be closed to the public except by appointment only.  This includes City Hall, the Police and Fire Stations, the Basin, the Public Works Facility, and the Mascot Hall of Fame.  These restrictions will remain in place until December 12, 2020, unless rescinded, modified, or extended.  In the event that the Governor of the State of Indiana enacts stricter measures, these regulation will be subject to change. 
  • For a full list of all new COVID restrictions and rules, please CLICK HERE.

November 4, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • Governor Holcomb has extended the Public Health Emergency Declaration for the State of Indiana until December 1, 2020.
  • City Hall will remain open to the general public on a limited basis, from 8am until Noon Monday through Friday until further notice.  City Offices are open from 8am until 4:30pm and employees are available by phone at 219-659-7700 even after City Hall closes to the public at Noon.
    • Visitors are asked to wear masks or face coverings when inside the building and sanitize their hands on the way in and out.
    • The only access point will be the side door and the 119th Street door will remain locked.

October 8, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • The City of Whiting has NOT authorized hours for Trick or Treating for this Halloween.
  • City Hall will remain open to the general public on a limited basis, from 8am until Noon Monday through Friday until further notice.  City Offices are open from 8am until 4:30pm and employees are available by phone at 219-659-7700 even after City Hall closes to the public at Noon.
    • Visitors are asked to wear masks or face coverings when inside the building and sanitize their hands on the way in and out.
    • The only access point will be the side door and the 119th Street door will remain locked.
  • All Public Meetings will continue to be held via conference call or video services until further notice.  You may access these public meetings by calling 866-866-2244 and using participant code 1641958#.

September 17, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • Whiting Lakefront Park to open for vehicular traffic starting Monday, September 14, 2020. 
    •  We will be utilizing the new gates that have been installed at 117th and Front Street entrances.
    • The gates to the entrances will be open daily at 7 am and close at 6:30 pm.
    • Vehicles remaining after the park closes, with the exception of private rentals & authorized vehicles, will be towed.
    • Please be courteous and obey the signage that is displayed throughout the Lakefront Park.
  • Whihala Beach will remain closed.

July 29, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • City Hall will remain open to the general public on a limited basis from 8:00 until Noon until further notice.
    • Visitors are asked to wear masks or face coverings when inside the building and sanitize their hands on the way in and out.
    • The only access point will be the side door and the 119th Street door will remain locked.
    • All public meetings will continue to be held via conference call or video services until further notice.
  • Mayor Stahura issued an order to close Whihala Beach and Whiting Lakefront Park to vehicular traffic effective July 15th until further notice.  The action was taken due to overcrowding and the lack of compliance with CDC “Social Distancing” guidelines.  Further information can be found by CLICKING HERE.
  • The Lakefront Park will reopen on a limited basis as soon as new security gates have been installed, BUT THE BEACH WILL REMAIN CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
    • Security Gate installation is expected to be completed the week of August 3rd.
  • PLEASE WEAR YOUR MASKS WHEN IN ANY PUBLIC BUILDING OR WHENEVER STRICT SOCIAL DISTANCING PROTOCOL CANNOT BE FOLLOWED.

July 20, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • The Lake County Health Department issued a Health Order mandating all people to wear masks when entering any building if “Social Distancing” cannot be maintained.  CLICK HERE to read the Order.
  • Mayor Stahura issued an order to close Whihala Beach and Whiting Lakefront Park to vehicular traffic effective July 15th until further notice.  The action was taken due to overcrowding and the lack of compliance with CDC “Social Distancing” guidelines.  Further information can be found by CLICKING HERE.
  • The Lake County Health Department no longer provides test results or death counts on it’s web site. Please Be Smart and Stay Safe!.
  • City Hall will remain open to the general public on a limited basis from 8:00 until Noon through the month of July.
    • Visitors are asked to wear masks or face coverings when inside the building and sanitize their hands on the way in and out.
    • The only access point will be the side door and the 119th Street door will remain locked.
    • All public meetings will continue to be held via conference call or video services until further notice.

July 13-14, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • Mayor Stahura issued an order to close Whihala Beach and Whiting Lakefront Park to vehicular traffic effective July 15th until further notice.  The action was taken due to overcrowding and the lack of compliance with CDC “Social Distancing” guidelines. Further information can be found by CLICKING HERE.
  • The Lake County Health Department no longer provides test results or death counts on it’s web site. Please Be Smart and Stay Safe!.
  • City Hall will remain open to the general public on a limited basis from 8:00 until Noon through the month of July.
    • Visitors are asked to wear masks or face coverings when inside the building and sanitize their hands on the way in and out.
    • The only access point will be the side door and the 119th Street door will remain locked.
    • All public meetings will continue to be held via conference call or video services until further notice.

July 2-8, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • The Lake County Health Department no longer provides test results or death counts on it’s web site. Please Be Smart and Stay Safe!.
  • City Hall will remain open to the general public on a limited basis from 8:00 until Noon through the month of July.
    • Visitors are asked to wear masks or face coverings when inside the building and sanitize their hands on the way in and out.
    • The only access point will be the side door and the 119th Street door will remain locked.
    • All public meetings will continue to be held via conference call or video services until further notice.
  • As of July 2nd the Lake County Health Department is reporting that 128 people (decrease of 1) from Whiting and/or Robertsdale (46394) have tested positive for the Coronavirus and at least 11 people have died.

June 25, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • City Hall will remain open to the general public on a limited basis from 8:00 until Noon until further notice.
    • Visitors are asked to wear masks or face coverings when inside the building and sanitize their hands on the way in and out.
    • The only access point will be the side door and the 119th Street door will remain locked.
    • All public meetings will continue to be held via conference call or video services until further notice.
  • As of June 25th the Lake County Health Department is reporting that 129 people from Whiting and/or Robertsdale (46394) have tested positive for the Coronavirus and 11 people have died.  Please Be Smart and Stay Safe!.

June 23, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • As of June 23rd the Lake County Health Department is reporting that 123 people from Whiting and/or Robertsdale (46394) have tested positive for the Coronavirus and 11 people have died.  Please Be Smart and Stay Safe!.

June 22, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • As of June 22nd the Lake County Health Department is reporting that 121 people from Whiting and/or Robertsdale (46394) have tested positive for the Coronavirus and 11 people have died.  Please Be Smart and Stay Safe!.

June 17, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • REVISION TO PLAN – City Hall will remain open to the general public on a limited basis from 8:00 until Noon until further notice.
    • Visitors are asked to wear masks or face coverings when inside the building and sanitize their hands on the way in and out.
    • The only access point will be the side door and the 119th Street door will remain locked.
    • All public meetings will continue to be held via conference call or video services until further notice.
  • As of June 17th the Lake County Health Department is reporting that our virus infection numbers have remained steady and 118 people from Whiting and/or Robertsdale (46394) have tested positive for the Coronavirus and 11 people have died.  Please Be Smart and Stay Safe!

June 15, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • As of June 15th the Lake County Health Department is reporting that 118 people from Whiting and/or Robertsdale (46394) have tested positive for the Coronavirus and 11 people have died.  Please Be Smart and Stay Safe!.

June 9, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • As of June 8th the Lake County Health Department is reporting that 115 people from Whiting and/or Robertsdale (46394) have tested positive for the Coronavirus and 8 people have died.  Please Be Smart and Stay Safe!.
  • City Hall will remain open to the general public on a limited basis from 8:00 until Noon until further notice.
    • Visitors are asked to wear masks or face coverings when inside the building and sanitize their hands on the way in and out.
    • The only access point will be the side door and the 119th Street door will remain locked.
    • All public meetings will continue to be held via conference call or video services until further notice.

June 5, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • As of June 5th the Lake County Health Department is reporting that 111 people from Whiting and/or Robertsdale have tested positive for the Coronavirus and 6 people have died.  Please Be Smart and Stay Safe!
  • City Hall will remain open to the general public on a limited basis from 8:00 until Noon until further notice.
    • Visitors are asked to wear masks or face coverings when inside the building and sanitize their hands on the way in and out.
    • The only access point will be the side door and the 119th Street door will remain locked.
    • All public meetings will continue to be held via conference call or video services until further notice.

June 3, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • We are investigating the possibility that the Lake County Health Department’s reporting numbers for positive tests and deaths for Whiting are not accurate.  It is possible that the Department is including the numbers for both Whiting and Robertsdale combined.  This potential error had been identified after reviewing that Whiting had nearly double the per capita rate of positive tests than any other community in Lake County, an unlikely statistic.  While this is a non-critical issue, it is a demoralizing factor for the community.
  • City Hall will remain open to the general public on a limited basis from 8:00 until Noon until further notice.
    • Visitors are asked to wear masks or face coverings when inside the building and sanitize their hands on the way in and out.
    • The only access point will be the side door and the 119th Street door will remain locked.
    • All public meetings will continue to be held via conference call or video services until further notice.

May 31, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • As of May 30th the Lake County Health Department is reporting that 91 people from Whiting have tested positive for the Coronavirus and 2 people have died.  Please Be Smart and Stay Safe!
  • City Hall will remain open to the general public on a limited basis from 8:00 until Noon until further notice.
    • Visitors are asked to wear masks or face coverings when inside the building and sanitize their hands on the way in and out.
    • The only access point will be the side door and the 119th Street door will remain locked.
    • All public meetings will continue to be held via conference call or video services until further notice.

May 29, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • Great news, the police officer who we announced tested positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday has now been cleared to return to work.  It has been determined by our Occupational Health Team that the test was a false positive.
  • As of May 29th the Lake County Health Department is reporting that 88 people from Whiting have tested positive for the Coronavirus and 2 people have died.  Please Be Smart and Stay Safe!
  • City Hall will remain open to the general public on a limited basis from 8:00 until Noon until further notice.
    • Visitors are asked to wear masks or face coverings when inside the building and sanitize their hands on the way in and out.
    • The only access point will be the side door and the 119th Street door will remain locked.
    • All public meetings will continue to be held via conference call or video services until further notice.

May 28, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • A City Police Officer has tested positive for Covid-19 yesterday.  This is the first City employee to test positive.  The City is following the guidelines for such an event and will be testing other employees that came in contact with the officer.  At this time, the officer is asymptomatic – no symptoms or illness.
  • City Hall will remain open to the general public on a limited basis from 8:00 until Noon until further notice.
    • Visitors are asked to wear masks or face coverings when inside the building and sanitize their hands on the way in and out.
    • The only access point will be the side door and the 119th Street door will remain locked.
    • All public meetings will continue to be held via conference call or video services until further notice.
  • As of May 28th the Lake County Health Department is reporting that 79 people from Whiting have tested positive for the Coronavirus and 2 people have died. Please Be Smart and Stay Safe!

May 27, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • As of May 27th the Lake County Health Department is reporting that 79 people from Whiting have tested positive for the Coronavirus and 2 people have died.  Please Be Smart and Stay Safe!

May 26, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • As of May 26th the Lake County Health Department is reporting that 76 people from Whiting have tested positive for the Coronavirus and 2 people have died.  Whiting’s positive tests continue to rise as more tests are given.  Please Be Smart and Stay Safe!

May 24, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • Whiting will open Whihala Beach on May 25th.  A strict Social Distancing policy will be in effect.  Lifeguards and security personnel will be on duty beginning on the 25th.
  • As of May 24th the Lake County Health Department is reporting that 64 people from Whiting have tested positive for the Coronavirus and 2 people have died.  Please Be Smart and Stay Safe!

May 22, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • Governor delay’s Lake County moving to Stage 3 Reopening from May 25th to June 1st.    Read the details by CLICKING HERE.

May 21, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • City Hall will remain open to the general public the week of May 25th on a limited basis from 8:00 until Noon.
    • Visitors are asked to wear masks or face coverings when inside the building and sanitize their hands on the way in and out.
    • The only access point will be the side door and the 119th Street door will remain locked.
    • All public meetings will continue to be held via conference call or video services until further notice.
  • As of May 21st the Lake County Health Department is reporting that 63 people from Whiting have tested positive for the Coronavirus and 2 people have died.  This is the City’s biggest one day jump.  Please Be Smart and Stay Safe!

May 20, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • As of May 20th the Lake County Health Department is reporting that 54 people from Whiting have tested positive for the Coronavirus and 2 people have died.  Whiting’s positive tests continue to rise as more tests are given.  Please Be Smart and Stay Safe!

May 19, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • As of May 19th the Lake County Health Department is reporting that 51 people from Whiting have tested positive for the Coronavirus and 1 person has died.  Please Be Smart and Stay Safe!

May 17, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • City Hall will reopen to the general public on Monday, May 18th.  Until further notice, the public hours will be restricted to 8:00 until Noon.
    • Visitors are asked to wear masks or face coverings when inside the building and sanitize their hands on the way in and out.
    • The only access point will be the side door and the 119th Street door will remain locked.
    • All public meetings will continue to be held via conference call or video services until further notice.
  • As of May 17th the Lake County Health Department is reporting that 49 people from Whiting have tested positive for the Coronavirus and 1 person has died.  Whiting’s positive tests have doubled over the past 16 days!  Please Be Smart and Stay Safe!

May 15, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • As of May 15th the Lake County Health Department is reporting that 43 people from Whiting have tested positive for the Coronavirus and 1 person has died.  Whiting’s positive tests have doubled over the past 17 days!  Please Be Smart and Stay Safe!

May 14, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • We are planning on reopening City Hall to the general public on May 18th.  To safely phase in a reopening, we will begin operations with a limited schedule.  So until further notice, City Hall will be open from 8:00am to Noon with only side door access, beginning on May 18th.
  • As of May 14th the Lake County Health Department is reporting that 39 people from Whiting have tested positive for the Coronavirus and 1 person has died.

May 12, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • As of May 12th the Lake County Health Department is reporting that 34 people from Whiting have tested positive for the Coronavirus and 1 person has died.

May 11, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • As of May 11th the Lake County Health Department is reporting that 32 people from Whiting have tested positive for the Coronavirus and 1 person has died.
  • Mayor Joe has updated the City’s Travel Policy as related to City employees.  The travel ban has been extended to June 28th for Public Safety employees but allows specific exceptions for voluntary employee quarantining.

May 8, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • Mayor Joe announces that City Hall will remain closed to the public for the week of May 11th and reopen on May 18th.  This will allow the necessary time to complete the installation of new employee protective screens and signage.
  • As of May 8th the Lake County Health Department is reporting that 30 people from Whiting have tested positive for the Coronavirus and 1 person has died.

May 5, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • As of May 5th the Lake County Health Department is reporting that 29 people from Whiting have tested positive for the Coronavirus and 1 person has died.

May 4, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • As of May 4th the Lake County Health Department is reporting that 26 people from Whiting have tested positive for the Coronavirus and 1 person has died.

May 1, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • Governor extends “Stay at Home” order until May 11th for Lake County.
  • Governor Holcomb releases a detailed plan to gradually lift the “Stay at Home” order.  His detailed plan can be reviewed at by Clicking Here.  The Governor also laid out specific dates as to what businesses will be allowed to open and on what date.  These details listed by “Phases” can be reviewed by Clicking Here.
  • Mayor Joe has announced plans to gradually bring City employees back on their normal work schedules.  He also announced that City Hall will remain closed to the public for the week of May 4th.  Tentative plans are to reopen City Hall to the public beginning on May 11th from 8:00 to Noon.  City Hall will likely return to regular operating hours on May 18th.
  • As of May 1st the Lake County Health Department is reporting that 24 people from Whiting have tested positive for the Coronavirus and 1 person has died.

April 28, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • As of April 28th the Lake County Health Department is reporting that 21 people from Whiting have tested positive for the Coronavirus.
  • Governor Holcomb announced large-scale Coronavirus testing that will be starting up across 20 sites in Indiana over the next week. These first 20 sites are all Army National Guard armories and an additional 30 sites will come online at a later time. He expects to test 100,000 Hoosiers in the first 30-days.  After all 50 sites are in service, they will have the capability of testing over 300,000 Hoosiers per month.

April 25, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • As of April 24th the Lake County Health Department is reporting that 18 people from Whiting have tested positive for the Coronavirus.
  • The City Administration is preparing its operations for a return to normal staffing.  The Plan will include:
    • Phased return to full staffing levels
    • Phased in Public Access to municipal buildings
    • Following established personnel safety protocol and pre-shift health assessment.
    • Following established public interfacing guidelines

April 24, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • As of April 23rd the Lake County Health Department is reporting that 16 people from Whiting have tested positive for the Coronavirus.
  • Pet Grooming Services are now allowed to reopen per a revision to the Governor’s Executive Order.  The reopening is contingent on only providing curb side drop off and using the proper personal protective equipment.  Home based groomers are still prohibited from reopening.

April 18, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • City Hall will remain closed to the public until at least Monday, May 4th mirroring Governor Holcomb’s statewide Order.
  • Mayor is preparing the plan to reopen City facilities if and when the Governor lifts the “Stay at Home” Order.

April 17, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • Governor Holcomb announces that the “Stay at Home” order is extended until May 1st.
  • As of April 17th the Lake County Health Department is reporting that 12 people from Whiting have tested positive for the Coronavirus.
  • As of April 17th, Lake County has tested 4,739 people (0.98% of the county’s population), with 1,026 people (21.7% of the people tested) testing positive for the Coronavirus and sadly, 42 infected people (4.1% of the people who tested positive) have died.
  • As of April 17th, the State of Indiana has tested 54,785 people (0.81% of the state’s population), with 10,154 people (18.5% of the people tested) testing positive for the Coronavirus and sadly, 519 infected people (5.1% of the people who tested positive) have died.

April 9, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • Mayor announces the cancellation of the July 3rd Party in the Park and Fireworks Show and the 4th of July Parade.  CLICK HERE to read the City’s Press Release.
  • The Whiting-Robertsdale Chamber of Commerce has announced the postponement of Pierogi Fest until 2021.  Additional information can be found on the Chamber’s web site at: https://www.wrchamber.com/

April 6, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • Mayor reduces City staffing to absolute minimum levels to minimize their potential exposure during the upcoming “peak” weeks.
  • Governor clarifies State Order allowing all businesses to provide curbside pick-up or delivery.  Absolutely no internal store shopping allowed.

April 2, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • Governor announces all Indiana Schools will be closed through this semester.
  • Mayor Joe officially cancels or delays all City events through June 30th.
  • City guidelines for potential employee exposures revised and distributed.
  • Lake County Health officials have instructed all non-essential businesses to keep their business doors closed during the Governor’s Order.  All non-essential businesses must have a sign on the door saying they are closed to the public.  If they are providing curbside pick-up, all financial transactions should be handled remotely by phone or online.  Businesses that are classified as Essential Businesses are LISTED HERE.

March 31, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • Mayor Joe wants to remind everyone that the Governor’s “Stay at Home” directive has ordered all City Playgrounds to be closed until further notice.  City Park pathways and walkways will remain open as long as “Social Distancing” practices are adhered to.  The Governor’s Order for “Outdoor Activity is as follows:
    • It is acceptable to engage in outdoor activity, provided that they comply with “Social Distancing” requirements such as, by way of example and without limitation, walking, hiking, running, or biking.  Individuals may go to public parks and open outdoor recreation areas,  However, public access playgrounds may increase the spread of Covid-19, and therefore shall be closed.

March 30, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • The Whiting Redevelopment Commission and the Whiting City Council officially approved an Emergency Economic Stimulus Package to support our local businesses.  The Plan was drafted with the intention of injected much needed capital into the business district immediately.  Mayor Joe with the help of Clerk-Treasurer Haynes, redirected existing funds away from Special Events and other Grants to make this happen.  The program summary can be reviewed by CLICKING HERE.

March 28, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • Mayor Joe offers to assist Whiting residents who cannot leave their homes or are ill during the Coronavirus Emergency.  If you are in need of NON-EMERGENCY assistance, please call City Hall at 659-7700 and leave a message and a return phone number.  While the City is currently operating at only partial staffing levels, we will do everything possible to assist as promptly as possible where we legally can.  Please call 911 for all EMERGENCIES.

March 27, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • All City employees, even those who have been asked to work reduced schedules or whose jobs were shutdown/eliminated due to the Coronavirus emergency, will continue to be paid their normal salaries until further notice.  All affected employees also have the option to file for enhanced Unemployment Insurance Benefits.
  • Mayor Joe is engaged in discussions to identify and then hire a financial advisor to assist the business community with identifying and applying for any available financial aid or loans being made available from the Federal Government’s Stimulus package via the Small Business Administration (SBA).   This will be done at the City’s expense. The goals would be to:
    • Have a single point of contact for all businesses who feel they need assistance
    • Streamline a likely difficult process
    • Identify reimbursement for the City for expenses incurred addressing the Pandemic.
  • City distributes list of restaurants who are providing carryout services to the community and to local industries.
  • Mayor temporarily suspends new hiring due to the State’s “Stay at Home” directive.  The original intention was to hire local workers displaced by the restaurant/bar closure order to assist with the Lakefront Park clean-up, but the “Stay at Home” Order will prevent the City from doing that at this time

March 26, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • Mayor instructs WPD to monitor unacceptable gatherings of 10 people or more in our Parks.  He also has instructed the WPD to monitor illegal openings of bars and/or clubs.
  • Mayor Joe made the decision to continue with the 119th Street Construction Project.
    Read his Bulletin explaining the decision by CLICKING HERE.
  • City will temporarily delay all water shutoffs related to billing delinquencies.

March 23, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • Mayor preparing to comply with the Governor’s “Stay at Home” order which will idle all non-critical city services.  Minimal Staffing Plan has been developed and distributed to all City Departments.  Effective Tuesday, March 24th, all non-essential City employees will be limited to performing critical tasks only until April 7th.
  • City extends deadlines for Business License and Animal Tag filings till April 30th.

March 19, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • Beginning March 20th, 2020, City Hall will be closed to the public.  Please call 659-6200 for information or to pay your utility bills by credit card, or you can mail in your payment, or use the City Hall 24-Hour Drop Box at the side door to make payments.
  • Mayor issued an Executive Order banning certain travel for all Public Safety Personnel and Department Heads.
  • Mayor encourages the community to support our local businesses by ordering delivery and carryout from our eateries.  Mayor also asks residents to move up your annual gift purchases to support the local retailers – buy your Birthday and Christmas gifts today to infuse cash into our business community.  Here’s a list of Whiting Restaurants that are currently providing delivery and/or carryout food services – WHITING RESTAURANT LIST.

March 16, 2020 – Actions Taken:

  • Mayor declared a Local Disaster Emergency to allow for a quicker response and flexibility to handle situations that are not the norm.
  • City Events have been cancelled through May 28th, with very limited exceptions
  • All public and intergovernmental meetings have either been cancelled or modified to minimize the number of attendees and their exposure.
  • The City has granted the authority to issue 100% refunds for all facility rentals through August 31, 2020 to alleviate concerns over the virus.
  • The City is offering other Part-Time positions to all crossing guards or Mascot Hall of Fame (MHOF) employees if they have been impacted by related closures.
  • The City is accepting applications from the staff of local businesses that have had the hours reduced because of the virus mandated shutdowns.
  • The City is offering special accommodations to employees who are “High-Risk”.
  • The City is reducing work hours for most office personnel and/or allowing them to work from home to minimize exposure.
  • Mayor Joe is engaging the Small Business Administration and the local banks to look for any opportunity to identify funding for our business owners.

March 9, 2020 – Actions Taken to Date:

  • Access to all public buildings has been reviewed and modified to minimize exposure to the virus.
  • All pubic buildings are now being sanitized at a higher frequency than during normal times.
  • Public Safety Personnel are taking precautions to protect themselves and the public while performing their normal duties.
  • MHOF has been temporarily closed to the public to prevent spreading the virus.
    • The down time will be used to deep clean the facility, make needed repairs and to catch up on major initiatives.
    • The City will do everything possible to make all Part-Time employees whole as to lost wages.

Tips and Suggestions:

  • CLICK HERE to review some valuable and responsible health tips that we highly encourage our residents and visitors to follow!
  • Support our local businesses by ordering delivery and carryout from our eateries.  Also move up your annual gift purchases to support the local retailers – buy your Birthday and Christmas gifts today to infuse cash into our business community.  Here’s a list of Whiting Restaurants that are currently providing delivery and/or carryout food services – WHITING RESTAURANT LIST.
  • Please pay your utility bills by check and either mail to City Hall or drop in the City Hall 24-Hour Drop Box.  You can also pay by credit card via phone.
  • Email to Licensing@whitingindiana.com or Fax applications, permits, etc. to 219-473-0799.
  • Applications for Tag Days, Special Events or Facility Rentals will not be accepted for days between today and May 31st.  All applications for these type of events after June 1st will be accepted and the date reserved, but will be subject to review of the current virus status before officially being approved.