This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, August 31st, 2021.

Later in the program, Indiana recorded the highest amount of Covid-19 cases in schools compared to any other time throughout the course of the pandemic. More in today’s headlines.

Also coming up in the next half hour, we have Artbeat - a segment where Dr. Filiz Cicek interviews artists, activists and educators about their work. Today’s guest is Betsy Stirratt, the director of the IU School of Fine Arts Grunwald Gallery. More in the bottom half of tonight’s program.

But first, your daily headlines:

Bloomington Utilities Service Board Extends Funding for Covid Testing at Waste Treatment Sites

Photo courtesy of Schmidt Associates.

On August 30th, the Bloomington Utilities Service Board extended funding for COVID testing and monitoring to continue at waste treatment sites. Funding was approved through the end of the year. Assistant Director of Environmental Programs, James Hall, explained the program monitors the sewage system to assess where Covid-19 spikes are occurring. Utilities Director, Vic Kelson explained why the funding was needed.

Board member, Jim Sherman, asked Vic Kelson if he thought the public’s disapproval over the general 2022 budget would impact the Utilities’ budget approval. Kelson responded that he wasn’t completely sure, but that he isn’t worried about it.

The next meeting will be held on September 13th.

More Covid-19 Cases in Schools Than at Any Time Throughout Pandemic

Photo courtesy of University of Michigan.

Indiana recorded the highest number of Covid-19 cases in schools than at any other time throughout the pandemic.

Students made up over 5,500 new positive cases, while teachers and staff totaled to over 600 new positive cases, according to the Indiana State Department of Health’s Covid-19 data report.

While almost 1,000 of the new positive cases date back to several weeks prior, State Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box warns that the dashboard doesn’t fully demonstrate the gravity of the latest surge in schools caused by the Delta variant.

Dr. Box said that new infections and hospitalizations are on the rise, similar to the surge experienced last winter.

Box also said during last week’s Covid-19 update that the state saw a shortage of ventilators and ICU beds. She tried to dispel the myth that children are not affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, citing a recent increase in hospitalizations among young children.

The delta variant remains at the core of the latest surge. A clear majority of samples taken by the state health department shows the Delta variant accounting for much of the recent uptick.

Box says the start of the school year drives many of the new cases reported in schools. She says this furthers the need for students, teachers and staff to wear masks and get vaccinated. Those ages 12 and older are eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine. To find a vaccine clinic near you, visit ourshot.in.gov.

Feature Reports:

Up next, we have some recent prison-related news and announcements brought to you by the producers of Kite Line, a radio program devoted to prison issues around the Midwest and beyond. Kite Line airs at 5:30 p.m. each Monday on WFHB Community Radio. It’s also available online and wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Photo courtesy of Indiana University.

Now it’s time for Artbeat - a segment where Dr. Filiz Cicek interviews artists, activists and educators about their work. Today’s guest is Betsy Stirratt, the director of the IU School of Fine Arts Grunwald Gallery. We turn to Dr. Cicek for more.