This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, April 12th, 2021.

Later in the program, we have the latest edition of A Few Minutes with the Mayor - a weekly segment where Mayor John Hamilton answers listener-posed questions on community issues.

Today, Jake Jacobson, our new assistant news director, interviews Director of Public Engagement Mary Catherine Carmichael. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, a bill that places further restrictions on rioting and property damage passed the Statehouse last week. More in today’s legislative update.

But first, your local news brief:

Photo courtesy of CT Mirror.

Covid-19 numbers continue to trend upwards in Indiana and across the U.S. April has seen Indiana averaging about 1,000 cases per day.

That’s according to the Indiana State Department of Health. Today, the state’s moving average is just shy of 1,150. Over 900 Indiana residents are currently hospitalized with complications related to Covid-19. That’s the most since February.

While Covid-19 related deaths are relatively low right now, in the single digits, past trends suggest that in a couple weeks or so, deaths could rise to 20 to 25 per day.

Many health experts are calling this the beginning of the fourth wave of the pandemic. The fourth wave appears to be fueled by new more contagious and more deadly strains.

While the State of Indiana has lifted its Covid-19 safety precautions, Monroe County recently announced that it will impose a public mask mandate, limitations on bars and restaurants, and limits on gathering sizes until at least May 28th.

Almost 1.5 million Hoosiers have been fully vaccinated so far, another two million people have received the first dose of either Moderna or Pfizer.

About half of Indiana’s population has received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine. About 1,800 Monroe County residents are getting vaccinated everyday on average.

About one-fifth of the county has received at least one dose. About 35 Monroe County residents are testing positive for Covid-19, on average at this point.

Monroe County Solid Waste Management 

The Monroe County Solid Waste Management District considered an employee COVID-19 vaccine benefit. Board member Isabel Piedmont-Smith proposed the resolution during their April 8th meeting.

Piedmont-Smith stated employees who proved their vaccination status would receive one hundred dollars. Tom McGlasson said the program was modeled after the City of Bloomington. Board member Penny Githens questioned Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton about employee interest.

Hamilton stated half of the city benefit was covered by their insurance provider. Board members unanimously approved the benefit. Piedmont-Smith stated employees must provide proof before October first.

Monroe County Board of Zoning Appeals 

Monroe County Board of Zoning Appeals discussed a buildable area variance for property on Hinkle Road. Planner Drew Myers stated the petitioner requested to make renovations to their home near Griffy Lake.

Myers mentioned the home was not in livable condition for all seasons. He stated proof of compliance with State and Monroe County requirements for domestic water supply and on-site sewage disposal would be required from the petitioner.

Petitioner Demetri Viteza stated the construction would include replacement of an existing septic system. Community member Richard Martin stated the home would cause a visual intrusion from the lakefront. He claimed no structural reforms were needed to make the home livable.

Petitioner Antonia Curry stated the current resident experienced wild animals finding their way into the home. She said the home would not be functionable for a family or renters.