This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020.

Later in the program, you will hear from Scott Shackleford, Cyber Security Program Chair at IU-Bloomington, about a recent study on election security. That’s coming up in today’s feature report.

Local News Brief

Monroe County reported 55 new cases of Covid-19 on Tuesday, the second highest number of confirmed cases in one day, ever reported by the county.

That’s according to the Indiana State Department of Health, which reported 873 new positive cases yesterday and 13 new deaths in the state over the past 5 days.

Since the first day of classes, Indiana University has reported 274 new positive test results at the Bloomington campus. It’s unclear how many of those positive tests reflect unique individuals, versus multiple positive tests for the same individual.

The university’s COVID-19 statistics are not represented in Monroe County’s statistics and reporting, despite city and university officials who have claimed that the university’s covid statistics would be represented in the county’s reporting.

Based on the State Health Department and University websites, it’s unclear whether Indiana University is reporting its Covid-19 statistics, and whether the university’s statistics are represented in the state dashboard.

The Monroe County Health Department ordered another 5 sorority and fraternity houses to quarantine after a number of members tested positive for COVID-19.

The new order brings the number of Greek houses at Indiana University that have been ordered to quarantine, to a total of 19, almost half of all fraternities and sororities.

The Herald Times reported that four Monroe County Sheriff’s office employees have recently tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

The positive test results mark the first time that any county sheriff’s office employees have tested positive.

Monroe County Council

The Monroe County Council approved Public Safety and Local Income Tax fund distributions to local fire departments during their August 31st meeting. Council member Eric Spoonmore said the council denied the sub-committee recommendation to not approve 2021 funding.

Council member Cherly Munson said fire departments were asked to prioritize their needs in their fund request applications. She said requests were for multiple remodels, repeaters, exhaust system improvements. The Stinesville Fire Department Chief said exhaust fumes are a common cause of cancer among firefighters.

During public comment, multiple residents expressed their support of funding local fire departments. Council member Geoff McKim said allocating funding provides opportunity for county and city fire protection collaboration.

COVID-19 Cases in Monroe County Jail, Sheriff's Department

Two Monroe County Jail officers and two sheriff administrative staff employees have tested positive for COVID-19.

These positive tests follow months of no reported cases within the jail or amongst sheriff's office employees. According to the Herald Times, Sheriff Brad Swain said one jail officer tested positive after their domestic partner contracted the virus. In the HT, Swain said, “Some are back to work, others are at home.”

Earlier in the year Monroe County Council approved the use of a Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act grant funds by the Monroe County Sheriff's Department for an ionization system at the Charlotte Zietlow Justice Building and the Monroe County Jail.

Portable UV sterilizers were also purchased. The employee office spaces are arranged to be socially distant and utilize clear plastic partitioners.

Bloomington Utilities Service Board 

The Bloomington Utilities Service Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding with local property owners fo...