This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, August 2nd, 2021.

Later in the program, WFHB Assistant News Director Jake Jacobson interviews Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton in our segment, A Few Minutes with the Mayor. In today’s episode, Mayor Hamilton discusses new Covid-19 protocols. More coming up in the bottom half of the program.

Also coming up in the next half hour, Monroe County Health Administrator Penny Caudill says that the county will require residents to wear a mask indoors, for both vaccinated and unvaccinated populations. More coming up in today’s headlines.

But first, your local news brief:

Human rights activist Vauhxx Booker was charged with misdemeanor criminal trespass and battery resulting in moderate bodily injury in Monroe Circuit Court on Friday, according to the Herald-Times. On July 4, 2020, Booker says he was physically attacked and had racial slurs yelled at him at Lake Monroe by a group of individuals. The charges against Booker were filed by special prosecutor Sonia Leerkamp after Monroe County Prosecutor Erika Oliphant recused herself from the case.

Last Wednesday, Monroe County returned to the yellow advisory level on the Indiana State Department of Health’s COVID-19 dashboard after 29 new positive cases but no additional deaths. A yellow advisory indicated moderate spread of the virus and local health officials are advised to consider restrictions on sizes of gatherings, restrictions on common areas in workplaces and reviewing plans for face coverings and social distancing for school extracurricular activities and assemblies.

Last Thursday shots were fired near apartments on Bloomington’s northwest side - the fourth time gunshots have been reported this month. According to the Bloomington police said no one was hurt and no property damage was reported after gunshots were reported at 11 p.m. Witnesses reported hearing about 7 and 10 shots. Police found 8 shell casings from a handgun. Anyone with information about any of the shootings can contact the police department at 812-339-4477. Callers can remain anonymous.

Coronavirus Press Conference 

At the July 30th Coronavirus press conference, Monroe County Health Administrator Penny Caudill talked about the rising number of positive COVID-19 cases. Caudill announced that the Board of Health would see a regulation that requires masks be worn indoors in Monroe County. She said the mandate will be in effect for both vaccinated and non-vaccinated residents.

Assistant Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Indiana University Kirk White said I-U’s mask policy will not change at this time. He added that the University does require masks in some situations.

The next coronavirus press conference will be August 13th.

Bloomington Community Advisory on Public Safety Commission 

The Bloomington Community Advisory on Public Safety Commission talked about its struggle to meet quorum. At the July 29th meeting, Commissioner Nejla Routsong asked whether quorum counted a commission’s empty seats. Commissioner Kamala Brown-Sparks asked Council Attorney Stephen Lucas for clarification on what number the Commission had to reach for quorum.

Lucas clarified the commission could still meet without a quorum. He said they would not be able to take any actions until at least 6 commissioners were present.

If you are interested in sitting on the Community Advisory on Public Safety Commission, you can apply online by going to Bloomington.in.gov/boards then scrolling down to Community Advisory on Public Safety Commission.

Monroe County Commissioners 

County Highway Director Lisa Ridge presented an amended contract for work on Hunters Creek Road to the Monroe County Commissioners. At the July 28th meeting, Ridge said the amendment includes additional utility cost...