This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, April 26th, 2021.

Later in the program, we have the latest edition of a Few Minutes with the Mayor - a weekly segment where listeners pose questions to Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, the Indiana State Department of Health is now requiring local clinics to allow walk-in visits to receive the Covid-19 vaccine without an appointment. More in today’s headlines.

COVID-19 Press Conference 

At the April 23th COVID-19 press conference, Mayor John Hamilton talked about an illegal large gathering that took place last week. He said a party that occurred at an apartment on south Walnut Street had hundreds of attendees.

Assistant Vice President at Indiana University Kirk White emphasized that the University is taking breach of COVID-19 restrictions seriously. He said the Dean will be following up with students even though there are only a few weeks of semester left.

This past weekend would have been Little 5 weekend, though the race was postponed. White said the Bloomington Police Department would be patrolling for students who are celebrating how they would normally celebrate for Little 5.

State to Allow Walk-In Appointments for Covid-19 Vaccine

The Indiana State Department of Health announced that local clinics will now allow walk-in vaccines without the need of an appointment.

Health officials encouraged state residents to walk into a vaccine clinic to get their shots starting on Monday, April 26th.

Monroe County Health Administrator Penny Caudill gave an update on the walk-in addition during last Friday’s Covid-19 press conference.

Brian Shockney, president for IU Health’s South Central region commented on the change to the walk-in option.

On Sunday, ISDH reported 832 new Covid-19 cases with over 860 people currently hospitalized due to Covid-19.

As for Monroe County, 25 new cases have been reported as of Sunday, according to data from the state health department. Almost 30 local residents are currently hospitalized with Covid-19.

Caudill provided more context on Monroe County’s coronavirus data during Friday’s press conference.

Caudill described the vaccination effort in both the state and in the county. She also touched on last week’s pause of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

Starting last Saturday, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and several other state clinics began administering the one-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine after an 11-day hiatus.

During last Friday’s local press conference, IU Spokesperson Chuck Carney quoted local researcher Dr. Aaron Carroll, saying a person is more likely to be struck by lightning than getting the rare blood clot reported in six patients who received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

Bloomington Historical Preservation Commission

The Bloomington Historical Preservation Commission discussed the partial demolition of a historical house.

Assistant Director of Housing and Neighborhood Development Brent Pierce presented a request to partially demolish the Thomas Smith house and add a garage to the building.

Commissioner Chris Sturbaum was surprised the house is not locally designated as Historic. He expressed caution moving forward with any changes due to the home’s historical importance.

Sturbaum referenced the Thomas Smith house’s current garage. He said the first garage was approved because it was disconnected from the house.

Commissioners agreed the Thomas Smith house should not be demolished. Commission Chair Jeff Goldin motioned for the site to receive Historic designation. Commissioners approved the motion unanimously. The site will be reviewed at a future Common Council meeting.